Configuring PCB Track Object Properties in Altium Designer

Parent page: Track

PCB Editor object properties are definable options that specify the visual style, content and behavior of the placed object. The property settings for each type of object are defined in two different ways:

• Pre-placement settings – most Track object properties, or those that can logically be pre-defined, are available as editable default settings on the PCB Editor - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog (access from the  button at the top-right of the workspace). Select the object in the Primitive List to reveal its options on the right.
• Post-placement settings – all Track object properties are available for editing in the Properties panel when a placed Track is selected in the workspace.

   The Track default settings in the Preferences dialog and the Track mode of the Properties panel

Net (Properties panel only) 

• Net- use the drop-down to select the net to which this track belongs. All nets for the active board design will be listed in the drop-down list. Note that if track placement commences at the same location as an existing object that is already connected to a Net, then the Net property of the new object is automatically assigned to that Net.
• Net Class - displays the net class. Ths field is dependent upon the net selected in the Net field and is not editable.
• Net Length - displays the net length. Ths field is dependent upon the net selected in the Net field and is not editable.

Location (Properties panel only) 

The   icon to the right of this region must be displayed as   (unlocked) in order to access the below fields. Toggle the lock/unlock icon to change its lock status. 

• (X/Y)
  • X (first field) - the current X (horizontal) coordinate of the reference point of the track relative to the current workspace origin. Edit to change the X position of the track. The value can be entered in either metric or imperial; include the units when entering a value whose units are not the current default. 
  • Y (second field) - The current Y (vertical) coordinate of the reference point of the track relative to the current origin. Edit to change the Y position of the track. The value can be entered in either metric or imperial; include the units when entering a value whose units are not the current default. 

Properties

• ​​Layer - use the drop-down to select the layer on which the track is located.​​
• Start (X/Y) (Properties panel only) - displays the current X/Y coordinate of the track start point relative to the current origin.
• Width - displays the current width of the track. Edit this field to change the track width within the range 0.001mil to 10000mil.

• Length - displays the current length of the track. Edit this field to change the track length within the range 0.001mil to 10000mil.

• End (X/Y) (Properties panel only) - displays the current X/Y coordinate of the track end point relative to the current origin.

Paste Mask Expansion 

• Rule/Manual - select the desired paste mask expansion configuration. Select Rule to have the paste mask expansion for the track follow the defined value in the applicable Paste Mask Expansion design rule. Select Manual to override the applicable design rule and specify the paste mask expansion value for the track. You can then enable and enter the desired measurement.

Solder Mask Expansion 

• Rule/Manual - select the desired solder mask expansion configuration. Select Rule to have the solder mask expansion for the track follow the defined value in the applicable Solder Mask Expansion design rule. Select Manual to override the applicable design rule and specify the solder mask expansion value for the track. You can then enable and enter the desired measurement.