Moving to Altium Designer
Expert Training & Migration Services
Altium Designer Specialists Since 2005
Black Stick has been using Altium Designer since founding in 2005. Over the past 20 years, we've helped dozens of companies successfully migrate from legacy tools to Altium, and we've trained hundreds of engineers in best practices for PCB design with Altium.
Whether you're considering moving to Altium or have already made the decision, we can help make your transition smooth, efficient, and successful. Our comprehensive migration and training services ensure minimal disruption to your ongoing projects while building long-term capability in your team.
Why Move to Altium Designer?
Modern, Unified Platform
Altium Designer combines schematic capture, PCB layout, simulation, and manufacturing output in a single integrated environment. No more juggling multiple tools and file formats.
Advanced Technology Support
Native support for HDI, rigid-flex, controlled impedance, and other advanced PCB technologies. Built-in signal integrity and EMI analysis tools.
Continuous Updates
Regular software updates with new features, technology support, and manufacturing improvements. Stay current with industry trends without major version upgrades.
Strong Ecosystem
Large user community, extensive documentation, and third-party integrations. Easy to find support and resources when you need them.
Collaboration Features
Cloud-based collaboration, design sharing, and version control through Altium 365. Work seamlessly with distributed teams and external partners.
Cost-Effective
Competitive licensing with subscription models. Lower total cost of ownership compared to maintaining multiple legacy tools.
Our Migration Services
Comprehensive Migration Support
We handle every aspect of your migration to Altium Designer, from initial planning through to full team competency.
1. Assessment & Planning
We review your current design environment, processes, and requirements. Together we develop a migration plan that minimises risk and disruption to ongoing projects.
- Current tool audit (PADS, OrCAD, Eagle, Mentor, etc.)
- Design data inventory and assessment
- Process documentation review
- Migration timeline and milestone planning
- Risk identification and mitigation strategies
2. Library Conversion
Your component libraries are critical assets. We convert them to Altium format while maintaining accuracy and adding best-practice enhancements.
- Schematic symbol conversion
- PCB footprint migration
- 3D model integration
- Parametric data enhancement
- Library structure optimisation
- Verification and validation
3. Design Conversion
We convert your existing designs to Altium format, ensuring 100% accuracy and full functionality.
- Schematic conversion with connectivity verification
- PCB layout conversion (all layers, vias, components)
- Design rules translation
- Output job configuration
- Design validation and comparison
- Manufacturing output verification
4. Process Development
We help you establish efficient Altium-based design processes tailored to your organisation's needs.
- Design flow optimisation
- Template creation (schematics, PCBs, output jobs)
- Design rule setup and management
- Manufacturing output standardisation
- Version control integration
- Documentation standards
5. Team Training
Comprehensive training programs to build competency and confidence across your team.
- Fundamentals training for new users
- Advanced techniques for experienced designers
- Custom training focused on your processes
- Hands-on project work
- Best practices and efficiency tips
- Ongoing support and knowledge transfer
On-Site "Buddy Engineer" Program
Our most popular service for Altium migration. We place an experienced Altium engineer at your facility to work alongside your team, providing real-time support, guidance, and knowledge transfer.
Benefits of Having a Buddy Engineer:
- Immediate Problem Solving: Get instant answers to questions and solutions to issues as they arise
- Hands-On Learning: Learn by doing with an expert guiding you through real projects
- Confidence Building: Reduce anxiety about the new tool with someone there to support you
- Process Optimisation: Develop efficient workflows specific to your team and projects
- Knowledge Transfer: Build internal expertise that persists after the buddy engagement ends
- Productivity Maintenance: Keep projects moving while learning the new system
Typical Engagement Duration:
Most teams benefit from 3-6 months of buddy engineer support, with the intensity tapering off as internal competency grows. We can customise the schedule to match your needs:
- Full-time for intensive migration (1-3 months)
- Part-time for ongoing support (2-4 days/week for 3-6 months)
- Periodic visits for check-ins and advanced training
Training Programs
Fundamentals Course
2-3 days
Essential Altium Designer skills for engineers new to the platform or moving from other tools.
- Interface navigation and customisation
- Schematic capture basics
- PCB layout fundamentals
- Library management
- Design rules and DRC
- Manufacturing output generation
Advanced Techniques
2 days
Advanced features and techniques for complex designs and experienced users.
- High-speed design and signal integrity
- RF and controlled impedance
- HDI and advanced stack-ups
- Interactive routing and push-and-shove
- Design reuse and variants
- Scripting and automation
Custom Training
Flexible
Tailored training focused on your specific processes, technologies, and challenges.
- Content customised to your needs
- Hands-on work with your actual designs
- Your processes and standards integrated
- Flexible duration and scheduling
- On-site or remote delivery
- Ongoing support included
Supported Source Tools
We have experience migrating from virtually all major PCB design tools:
Mentor Graphics
PADS, Xpedition, BoardStation
Cadence
OrCAD, Allegro
Autodesk
Eagle, Fusion 360
Zuken
CR-5000, CADSTAR
Pulsonix
Pulsonix PCB
Legacy Tools
Protel, P-CAD, PCAD
Don't see your tool listed? Contact us – we've likely worked with it before.