> If you have open-source design tool (including schematic simulation and verification), I think you will have open-source tool for physical verification Right

> If you have open-source design tool (including schematic simulation and verification), I think you will have open-source tool for physical verification Right, though the manufacturer will usually automatically run design rules checks on the submitted designs (they don't want you to endanger other people's components due to density or antenna rules). But I was mostly thinking of it being integrated with a manual layout drawing tool: that's a nice-to-have, but not necessary, and more complex for a drawing tool. If you leave that out, creating a drawing tool should be pretty straightforward. > The smaller process, the more complex. Hence my point: it's easier to start with a less-complex process.