Were price no object, I would choose Cadence Allegro on UNIX, Steve. The NT version is one to be avoided, as they made sure that it would not >compete with their pricey UNIX tool. Concerning DXF and IDF and DRW compatability, I can only vouch for the DXF compatability, as I have had no experience or demand for the other two formats. Be ready to thump down extra bucks (in 5K increments) for DXF I/O and other non-core utilities. There is probably no single PC design umbrella that handles all of the translation you mentioned and the 3rd party tools are out there and cannot be acquired without paying homage to the UNIX god. Cadence does import Gerber and converts it into traces, and does it quite well. This feature allows you to import the Gerber files on a job, place your Cadence library parts using the silkscreen and pads as a template and then convert the Gerber traces to connected nets. You then can export a netlist which is void of real signal names (which the Gerber format does not support). Advanced CAM Technologies, the CAM350 folks and Router Solutions, Inc. both offer solutions to the conversion delima, but neither is a "push-button" task. There is some intelligent intervention required. References: The CAM350 Family Hotline is 1-800-535-3226. Technical support is available Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Time. Always have your product name and serial number available when you call. You may e-mail your technical questions to [log in to unmask], or fax them to 1-408-358-4691. Software updates, utilities, and other information are available 24 hours a day on our WEB site, http://www.ecam.com, and our BBS at 1-408-358-4696 through 4698. Router Solutions, Inc. Web Site: http://www.dnaco.net/~ccc/products/router/router.html Cadence Website & Phone Number: http://www.cadence.com/main2_3.html 1-800-746-6223 > > HELP! I am desperately in search of a full design > package where price is no limit! I need to do > schematic capture, pcb layout, netlist conversions, > backwards and forwards compatability, DXF and IDF > and DRW compatability. I have been using PADS, > and lately ORcad. Any suggestions as to the most > reliable and succesful product out there? > >Thank you > >Steve Rose > >----------------------------------- > > >