This update introduces Layout View, a documentation system for creating manufacturing-ready assembly drawings, BOMs, and technical specifications.

Introducing Layout View

Layout View adds a complete technical documentation platform to Splice CAD. Create multi-page drawing packages without leaving the application.

Layout View - Manufacturing documentation in Splice
Layout View interface with assembly drawing, BOM table, and wire schedule

From Schematic to Documentation

Layout View works hand-in-hand with Schematic View:

  1. Design in Schematic View — Place components, route wires, and define connections. This is the source of truth for your design data.
  2. Switch to Layout View — Click the ruler icon in the toolbar. Your schematic data flows automatically into documentation elements.
  3. Build your drawing — Add Assembly Views, BOM tables, and annotations. These elements pull live data from your schematic—change a wire gauge in Schematic View, and your Wire Schedule updates automatically.
  4. Export for manufacturing and assembly — Generate PDFs ready for the production floor.

Multi-Page Drawing Packages

Create unlimited drawing sheets with standard page sizes:

  • Letter, A4, A3, A2 in landscape or portrait orientation
  • Per-sheet text scaling (50%–200%) for readability
  • Page templates: Blank, Assembly, Cable Spec, Connector Spec, Requirements
  • Professional border styles with zone references (A-Z grid)

Element Library

The Element Library contains 14+ element types organized into four categories:

Views

  • 2D Assembly View — Main cable assembly drawing with interactive elements
  • Cross-Section — Cable construction and bundling detail views
  • Connector Mate/Wire View — Pin layout diagrams from mate (front) or wire (rear) side

Tables

  • BOM Table — Bill of materials with automatic population from harness data
  • Wire Schedule — Detailed wire connection table
  • Specifications Table — General, wire, and connector specifications
  • Notes Table — Design notes and annotations

Annotations

  • Dimensions — Linked dimension callouts with configurable display
  • Leader Notes — Arrow with annotation for highlighting specific features
  • Text Blocks — Free text annotations

Standard Elements

  • Title Block — Drawing title block with company info, drawing number, revision
  • Component Legend — Legend of components and accessories used in the design

Assembly View Capabilities

The 2D Assembly View is the centerpiece of your drawings:

  • Move connectors by dragging them within the view
  • Reshape cable paths — Double-click on a cable to enter Bezier edit mode, add control points, and create custom curves
  • Drag accessories (heat shrink, tubing, labels) along cable paths to reposition them
  • Resize accessories by dragging the start/end handles
  • Connector shapes are automatically detected from part specifications

How to Access

Click the ruler icon in the Harness Builder toolbar to switch to Layout View.

View the Layout View Tutorial →

Splice Components Library

We've added a library of splice components for inline wire connections. Splices connect wires together mid-harness, representing branching points, junction connections, and various wire joining techniques.

Insert Splice - Right-click a wire to add an inline splice
Right-click a wire and select "Insert Splice" to add an inline splice

Add from Components panel: Select the "splice" category in the Components panel and add to the canvas.

Insert inline on existing wire: Right-click a wire → Insert Splice. The wire is automatically split and the splice is positioned between endpoints.

Bundle Accessories

Add accessories to your cables and bundles directly in Schematic View. Select a cable or bundle and open the Bundle Properties panel to add:

  • Heat Shrink Tubing — Specify diameter, length, color, and material
  • Corrugated Tubing — Split or non-split protective conduit
  • Braided Sleeving — Expandable mesh protection
  • Zip Ties — Cable management at specified intervals
  • Tape Wraps — Spiral or longitudinal wrapping
  • Labels — Identification markers at any position

Accessories are included in the BOM and visualized in Assembly Views in Layout View.

Join Our Discord Community

We've launched a Discord server for the Splice CAD community! Connect with other users, get help with your designs, share feedback, and stay up to date on new features.

Join here: discord.gg/MFM23eV2

  • Get help and share designs
  • Feature requests and bug reports

What's Next

Short Term Goals

  • Enhanced WireViz YAML import compatibility
  • Additional splice and terminal templates
  • Connector graphics in WireViz YAML exports

We're tracking bugs, feature requests, and improvements on GitHub. Please share your feedback on GitHub or join our Discord!