Circuit Diagram

Quickly and easily visualize complex electrical systems with circuit diagrams

With SmartDraw, You Can Create More than 70 Types of Diagrams, Charts, and Visuals

What is a Circuit Diagram?

A circuit diagram is a visual display of an electrical circuit using either basic images of parts or industry standard symbols. Symbol usage depends on the audience viewing the diagram. These two different types of circuit diagrams are called pictorial (using basic images) or schematic style (using industry standard symbols). A schematic style circuit diagram is used to give a visual representation of an electrical circuit to an electrician. The pictorial style circuit diagram would be used for a broader, less technical audience.

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Circuit Diagram Symbols

There are hundreds of different symbols that can be used in a circuit diagram. These include simple images of objects such as a battery or a resistor for a pictorial style circuit diagram, or industry-standard symbols for objects such as capacitors or inductors.

In conjunction with circuit diagram symbols, there are also a series of different types of line styles to connect objects. In the event lines cross, use line hops to show wire crossover. It is important to understand who will be viewing the circuit diagram to ensure use of the correct types of symbols.

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How to Create a Circuit Diagram

There are many different ways to create a circuit diagram. They can be created manually, but the more efficient way is to use diagramming software such as SmartDraw, which is designed for this purpose. Diagramming software that is specifically designed for creating a circuit diagram offers several advantages.

It is fast and allows for simple construction.
It provides access to thousands of symbols.
It is easy to share electronically.
It provides precise placement of objects.
It is easy to edit.

SmartDraw allows you to quickly, accurately, and easily create a circuit diagram. It also allows you to create personal custom libraries of symbols you commonly use. Learn more about how to make a circuit diagram by reading this circuit diagram tutorial.

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Circuit Diagram Examples

The best way to understand circuit diagrams is to look at some examples of circuit diagrams.

Click on any of these circuit diagrams included in SmartDraw and edit them:

Circuit Diagram - Pocket Pager

Circuit Diagram - Microphone Pre-Amplifier

Circuit Panel - Lug

Browse SmartDraw's entire collection of circuit diagram examples and templates

More Circuit Diagram Information

Try SmartDraw's Circuit Diagram Software Free

Discover why SmartDraw is the best circuit diagram software today.

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Circuit Diagram

Quickly and easily visualize complex electrical systems with circuit diagrams

What is a Circuit Diagram?

Circuit Diagram Symbols

How to Make a Circuit Diagram

Wiring Diagram

Block Diagram

Circuit Diagram Examples

With SmartDraw, You Can Create More than 70 Types of Diagrams, Charts, and Visuals

What is a Circuit Diagram?

Circuit Diagram Symbols

How to Create a Circuit Diagram

Circuit Diagram Examples

More Circuit Diagram Information

Try SmartDraw's Circuit Diagram Software Free

Product

DiagrammingBuild diagrams of all kinds from flowcharts to floor plans with intuitive tools and templates.

WhiteboardingCollaborate with your team on a seamless workspace no matter where they are.

DataGenerate diagrams from data and add data to shapes to enhance your existing visuals.

Enterprise FriendlyEasy to administer and license your entire organization.

SecuritySee how we keep your data safe.

Apps & IntegrationsConnect to all the tools you use from Microsoft, Google Workspace, Atlassian, and more.

Solutions By Team

Product ManagementRoadmap features, brainstorm, and report on development, so your team can ship features that users love.

Software EngineeringDesign and maintain complex systems collaboratively.

Information TechnologyVisualize system architecture, document processes, and communicate internal policies.

SalesClose bigger deals with reproducible processes that lead to successful onboarding and training.

Learn

Getting StartedLearn to make visuals, familiarize yourself with the UI, choosing templates, managing documents, and more.

TemplatesGet inspired by browsing examples and templates available in SmartDraw.

DiagramsLearn about all the types of diagrams you can create with SmartDraw.

WhiteboardLearn how to combine free-form brainstorming with diagram blueprints all while collaborating with your team.

Data VisualizersLearn how to generate visuals like org charts and class diagrams from data.

SupportSearch through SmartDraw's knowledge base, view frequently asked questions, or contact our support team.

Developer Resources

Development PlatformBrowse built-in data visualizers and see how you can build your own custom visualization.

Open APIThe SmartDraw API allows you to skip the drawing process and generate diagrams from data automatically.

Shape DataAdd data to shapes, import data, export manifests, and create data rules to change dashboards that update.

Additional Resources

Enterprise

Site LicenseSite licenses start as low as $2,995 for your entire organization.

Team LicenseThe SmartDraw Team License puts you in control with powerful administrative features.

SecuritySee how we keep your data safe.

Apps & IntegrationsConnect to all the tools you use.

Circuit Diagram

Quickly and easily visualize complex electrical systems with circuit diagrams

With SmartDraw, You Can Create More than 70 Types of Diagrams, Charts, and Visuals

What is a Circuit Diagram?

Circuit Diagram Symbols

How to Create a Circuit Diagram

Circuit Diagram Examples

More Circuit Diagram Information

Try SmartDraw's Circuit Diagram Software Free

Diagramming
Build diagrams of all kinds from flowcharts to floor plans with intuitive tools and templates.

Whiteboarding
Collaborate with your team on a seamless workspace no matter where they are.

Data
Generate diagrams from data and add data to shapes to enhance your existing visuals.

Enterprise Friendly
Easy to administer and license your entire organization.

Security
See how we keep your data safe.

Apps & Integrations
Connect to all the tools you use from Microsoft, Google Workspace, Atlassian, and more.

Product Management
Roadmap features, brainstorm, and report on development, so your team can ship features that users love.

Software Engineering
Design and maintain complex systems collaboratively.

Information Technology
Visualize system architecture, document processes, and communicate internal policies.

Sales
Close bigger deals with reproducible processes that lead to successful onboarding and training.

Getting Started
Learn to make visuals, familiarize yourself with the UI, choosing templates, managing documents, and more.

Templates
Get inspired by browsing examples and templates available in SmartDraw.

Diagrams
Learn about all the types of diagrams you can create with SmartDraw.

Whiteboard
Learn how to combine free-form brainstorming with diagram blueprints all while collaborating with your team.

Data Visualizers
Learn how to generate visuals like org charts and class diagrams from data.

Support
Search through SmartDraw's knowledge base, view frequently asked questions, or contact our support team.

Development Platform
Browse built-in data visualizers and see how you can build your own custom visualization.

Open API
The SmartDraw API allows you to skip the drawing process and generate diagrams from data automatically.

Shape Data
Add data to shapes, import data, export manifests, and create data rules to change dashboards that update.

Site License
Site licenses start as low as $2,995 for your entire organization.

Team License
The SmartDraw Team License puts you in control with powerful administrative features.

Security
See how we keep your data safe.

Apps & Integrations
Connect to all the tools you use.