DESIGN OUTLINE Vs ROUTE KEEPIN/PACKAGE KEEP IN

Using the Design Outline in conjunction with Package Keepins and Route Keepins is a best practice in PCB design, and for good reason. Here are the benefits: 

1. Route Keepins and Package Keepins provide a visual reference during component placement and etch routing, helping designers to ensure that their design adheres to the manufacturer's fabrication and assembly requirements. This visual cue can prevent errors and reduce the risk of design rework.
2.       2.Both Route Keepins and Package Keepins can be set to display a preferred distance from the Design Outline. This distance can be adjusted to meet the specific requirements of the design. Additionally, DesignTrue DFM checks ensure that the design complies with the manufacturer's fabrication and assembly requirements. 
3. 3.Route Keepins can be used to automatically trim copper shapes to contain them within the Keepin boundaries. This feature is not available with DesignTrue DFM, which only reports when a shape is too close or crosses the edge of the Design Outline. If a shape needs to be modified, designers can manually edit the shape boundary using the Shape > Edit Boundary menu. 

Modifying Keepins on All Sides Using Design Outline: 

To change the Keepins on all sides, designers can delete the existing Keepins and then use the Z Copy command to copy the Design Outline with a Contract/Expand value to ROUTE KEEPIN/ALL. Here are the steps: 

1. Select Edit > Z Copy.

2.Set the Find Filter to only "Shapes". 

3.Adjust the options settings to: 

+ Class = ROUTE KEEPIN (or PACKAGE KEEPIN) 

+ Subclass = ALL 

4.Enable "Contract" (or Expand) and enter the desired distance value for the Keepin to offset from the Design Outline. 

5.Select the Design Outline. A copy of the Design Outline will be created at the offset provided. 

By following these best practices, designers can ensure that their PCB designs are accurate, manufacturable, and meet the required specifications. 

Make use of the above information and post your comments as well.