> Even terrible freeware EDA packages have design rules that will flag improper solder pad layouts No, they don't. EDA software doesn't really know what size t

> Even terrible freeware EDA packages have design rules that will flag improper solder pad layouts No, they don't. EDA software doesn't really know what size the terminations are. It knows how big the pad itself is, and is very good at keeping those out of trouble, but it doesn't know what size the solderable area is. You might tell it, or give it a 3D model, but make a mistake there and you're right back here. As well, there are so many different kinds of terminations (pop quiz: what kind are these?) that even if it does know what size they are, it doesn't necessarily know what size or shape the pad should be. Also the CM will totally edit this stuff and not tell you. Which they're not supposed to do, and are probably better at if you're a huge customer, but they still do it. EDA sure doesn't know about that.