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HQDFM Download & Installation Guide

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Trusted by 300,000+ Engineers Worldwide  |  Professional DFM Software  |  100% Free

Thank you for choosing HQDFM. Click the button below to start your free download.

Key Features & Compatibility:

  • Universal Parsing: Supports mainstream CAD files, Gerber, ODB++ and KiCad file formats.
  • Flexible Export: Easily export Gerber, BOM, component coordinates, assembly drawings, PDF, and ODB++.
  • Comprehensive Manufacture Review: Over 1200+ detailed DFM & DFA checks and footprint checking capabilities for over 6 million parts.
  • Manufacturing Suite: Impedance Calculator, Smart Panelization, Centroid file editor, and more.
Size: ~165 MB
Est. Download: ~1-2 mins
OS: Windows (x64)
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HQDFM Software Interface Preview
Tip: The Latest Version is V4.6. Your download will start shortly after clicking. Please check the top-right (or bottom) corner of your browser.

Installation Guide

  1. Locate: Find the downloaded HQDFM_en.zip file in your computer's downloads folder.
  2. Extract & Install: Extract the archive and double-click “HQDFM International Setup.exe” inside to run the installation.
  3. Security Notice: If Windows pops up a "Windows protected your PC" blue warning, click "More info" and then click "Run anyway" to proceed. If you use third-party security software that blocks the installer, check your antivirus Quarantine, restore the file, and select "Allow on device" or "Add to exclusions/trusted list".
Read Installation & User Manual →
Having trouble? Contact support at support@nextpcb.com

HQDFM Support & FAQs

Q: Is HQDFM compatible with macOS or Linux?

A: Currently, HQDFM is officially designed for Windows PC only (Windows 10 / 11, 64-bit). Mac and Linux versions are not available.

Q: What if my antivirus blocks the installer?

A: Don't worry, this is just a false positive. HQDFM is 100% safe. Click "More info" and select "Run anyway" if Windows warns you.

Q: Do I need a license key after installation?

A: No license key is required. Simply open the software and log in with your NextPCB or HQ Online registered account to start using it.

Q: What if the download is slow or interrupted?

A: Use a stable network and a modern browser (Chrome or Edge). If issues persist, contact support@nextpcb.com

Q: Why can't I log in after installation, or why does it show a connection failure?
A: Usually caused by network issues. Try these fixes:
  • Network instability: Restart the software or try again.
  • Antivirus/Firewall: Add the software to your trusted list.
  • Corporate network: Ask IT to whitelist the required domains and ports. (contact us for the latest domain and port info).
Q: Where can I find the user manual for HQDFM?

A: You can view the online DFM user manual, download the offline PDF version, or access it directly within the software by navigating to the Tutorials menu and selecting HQDFM User Manual.

Q: I registered on the NextPCB website with my Google account. Why can't I use it to log in to the DFM software directly?

A: The DFM client temporarily doesn't support Google one-click sign-in (though your Google-associated email is fully supported). For your first login, please click "Forgot Password" on the login page, use your Google email to reset the password, and then sign in with your email and new password.

Q: Why is the view area blank or why can't I see Gerber files in a virtual machine?

A: This is usually caused by missing OpenGL support. Please enable "3D Hardware Acceleration" in your virtual machine settings and install the latest guest additions (e.g., VMware Tools), then restart the software.

HQDFM Video Tutorial

Footprint checking

How to use HQDFM to perform PCB DFA Analysis Part 1: Footprint checking

BOM Quantity Checking

How to use HQDFM to perform PCB DFA Analysis Part 2: BOM Quantity Checking

Compare BOM and Centroid Data

How to use HQDFM to perform PCB DFA Analysis Part 3: Compare BOM and Centroid Data

Check through-hole component footprints

How to use HQDFM to perform PCB DFA Analysis Part 4: Check through-hole component footprints

Check through-hole component footprints #2

How to use HQDFM to perform PCB DFA Analysis Part 5: Check through-hole component footprints #2

Check for interfering components

How to use HQDFM to perform PCB DFA Analysis Part 6: Check for interfering components

Check pad size and spacing

How to use HQDFM to perform PCB DFA Analysis Part 7: Check pad size and spacing

Check Through-hole Pin Clearance

How to use HQDFM to perform PCB DFA Analysis Part 8: Check Through-hole Pin Clearance