Exploring Themes in OrCAD X Capture

The dark theme turns many user interface elements of your application dark and reduces the amount of light emitted from screens. Given that we spend about one-third of our day in front of laptop screens, the dark theme makes it easier on your eyes. Starting with release 23.1, OrCAD X Capture enables users to choose between dark and light themes. You can easily switch between these themes to ensure that the application looks and feels just the way you prefer. OrCAD X Capture offers three themes: Application, Schematic, and Print.

Application Theme

You can change the theme of the OrCAD X Capture application as often as you like, choosing between the Dark or Light. To change the application theme, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Options menu and select Preferences.
2. In the Colors/Print tab, select your desired theme from the drop-down menu.
3. Click OK.
4. Restart the application to apply the changes.

The following images illustrate how the OrCAD X Capture application appears in different themes:

Schematic Theme

OrCAD X Capture offers flexibility in selecting themes for the schematic canvas and the application interface. Under the Options menu, navigate to Preferences to choose from the Dark, Light, or Legacy themes for the canvas.

Applying a specific theme to the schematic canvas alters its appearance. Additionally, you can apply different themes to the application and the schematic canvas to enhance your design environment. For instance, you might select a Light theme for the application while opting for a Dark theme for the schematic canvas, or a Dark theme for the application paired with a Legacy theme for the schematic canvas, and so on.

Print Theme

OrCAD X Capture provides an option to print your schematic design using different themes, creating a PDF with a unique appearance. To access this feature, choose Options – Extended Preferences – Schematic. From there, you can select your preferred schematic print theme from Light, Dark, or Legacy.

The schematic theme comprises default colors. When you change the theme of the schematic canvas, the colors of wires, components, pin names, and all other objects on the canvas are also adjusted accordingly, giving your schematic canvas and the exported PDF a different appearance.

The theme color settings are saved in the Capture.ini file on your system and are restored the next time you launch the application.

Explore these themes in OrCAD X Capture and leverage them at your convenience. You can also explore the article Themes in OrCAD X Capture. 

Want to Learn More?

For more information on related training courses, click the following links:

• OrCAD X Capture Training
• OrCAD CIS
• Allegro X PCB Editor Basic Techniques
• Allegro X PCB Editor Intermediate Techniques

These courses include slides accompanied by audio instructions and downloadable laboratory exercises designed to emphasize the topics discussed in the lecture.

You can find scheduled "live" sessions by clicking the respective link and going to Instructor-Led Schedule. If you cannot find a suitable session, contact your Regional Training Department for assistance.

All customers with a Cadence Online Support account can access an Online version of the training materials 24/7.

Additionally, Digital Badges are also available for most of the training courses.

Related Training Bytes

Check the following videos:

• Personalized Application Theme and Preferences in the Allegro X System Capture tool (Video)
• OrCAD X Capture - Controlling Line Style and Color of Nets (Video) 

Related Blogs

You can also refer to the following blog posts:

• Allegro X Design Support Portal: A One-Stop Solution to Learning Resource Center
• BoardSurfers: Optimizing RF Routing and Impedance using Allegro X PCB Editor
• BoardSurfers: Training Insights—New OrCAD X Presto Layout Design Application
• It’s the Digital Era; Why Not Showcase Your Brand Through a Digital Badge!