To create a workspace in Altium Designer, you'll primarily be using the Explorer panel. Here's how:
-
Open the Explorer Panel: In Altium Designer, if the Explorer panel isn't visible, go to "View" in the top menu, then select "Panels" and choose "Explorer."
-
Navigate to the Desired Location: Within the Explorer panel, navigate to the folder where you want to create your workspace. This could be on your local drive, a network drive, or within Altium 365.
-
Create the Top-Level Folder: Right-click within the Explorer panel at the desired location. From the context menu, select "Add Top Level Folder." This creates the primary folder for your workspace.
- Give the folder a descriptive name that reflects the project or function of the workspace. For example, "Project_Name_Workspace".
-
Create Subfolders (Optional): Right-click the top-level folder you just created, and select "Add Subfolder." This allows you to organize your workspace further. Choose the appropriate folder type:
- Components: For storing component libraries.
- Generic Folder: A standard folder for general files.
- Other Folder Type: Allows you to select a specific type, such as "Managed Component," "Footprints," or other predefined folder types. If you select this option, a new window will appear allowing you to select the specific folder type.
-
Repeat as Needed: Continue adding subfolders and organizing your workspace to suit your project's needs. A well-organized workspace helps you manage your files effectively.
Example Folder Structure:
A common workspace structure might include:
- Project_Name_Workspace (Top-Level Folder)
- Documentation (Generic Folder) - For datasheets, specifications, and other relevant documents.
- Components (Components Folder) - For component libraries specific to the project.
- Project Files (Generic Folder) - For PCB documents, schematic documents, and project files.
- Output (Generic Folder) - For generated output files (Gerbers, BOM, etc.).
By using the Explorer panel, you can easily create and manage your workspace, ensuring that all your project-related files are organized and readily accessible in Altium Designer.
