PyEDB is a high-level Python API for processing complex and large layout designs in the Ansys Electronics Database (EDB) format, which stores information describing designs for Ansys Electronics Desktop (AEDT).
PyEDB is designed to make EDB automation easier to learn and faster to use. It provides high-level, application-oriented workflows for common layout tasks such as:
- opening and creating EDB projects,
- editing stackups and materials,
- working with components, nets, padstacks, and ports,
- building cutouts,
- and preparing designs for solver workflows.
For most users, the key point is simple:
PyEDB exposes high-level APIs intended to stay consistent across supported backends.
This means that most users can focus on the public PyEDB API and do not need to think about backend implementation details while getting started.
If you are new to PyEDB, follow this path:
- Install PyEDB
- Open or create a design with
Edb - Use the Getting started guide and examples
- Move to the User guide and API reference as needed
pip install pyedbfrom pyedb import Edb
edb = Edb(edbpath="myedb.aedb", version="2026.1")
# Your workflow here
# stackup, materials, components, nets, ports, padstacks, cutouts, ...
edb.close()Most users can work directly with the high-level PyEDB API and do not need to care about backend details.
If needed, backend selection is available through the grpc flag:
from pyedb import Edb
edb = Edb(edbpath="myedb.aedb", version="2026.1", grpc=False)For backend-specific guidance, compatibility notes, and migration recommendations, see the dedicated backend / compatibility / migration documentation page.
PyEDB is part of the larger PyAnsys effort to facilitate the use of Ansys technologies directly from Python. It is intended to consolidate and extend existing functionalities around scripting for EDB to allow reuse of existing code, sharing of best practices, and increased collaboration.
PyEDB includes functionality for interacting with Ansys electromagnetic simulators such as:
- HFSS,
- HFSS 3D Layout,
- Icepak,
- Maxwell,
- Q3D,
- and SIwave.
EDB provides a proprietary database file format (AEDB) for efficient and fast layout design handling and processing for building ready-to-solve projects. EDB addresses signal integrity (SI), power integrity (PI-DC), and electro-thermal workflows.
You can import an AEDB file into AEDT to modify the layout, assign materials, and define ports, simulations, and constraints. You can then launch any of the Ansys electromagnetic simulators.
EDB runs as a standalone API, which means that you do not need to open a user interface (UI).
Because EDB opens the aedb folder for directly querying and manipulating layout design in
memory, it provides a fast and efficient way to handle large and complex layouts.
You can also parse an AEDB file from a command line in batch in an Ansys electromagnetic simulator such as HFSS or SIwave. Thus, you can deploy completely non-graphical flows, from layout translation through simulation results.
Additionally, you can use PyAEDT to import an AEDB file into AEDT to view a project, combine 3D designs, or perform simulation postprocessing. EDB also supports 3D component models.
Documentation for the latest stable release of PyEDB is hosted at PyEDB documentation: Learn how to install PyEDB, understand the basic concepts, and get started quickly.
- Installation: Install PyEDB and verify your environment.
- User guide: The user guide explains workflows and common tasks.
- API reference: API descriptions and usage details.
- Examples: Explore end-to-end workflow examples for PyEDB.
- Contribute: Learn how to contribute to the codebase or documentation.
If you need backend-specific guidance, platform recommendations, or migration planning, see the backend / compatibility / migration page in the documentation.
In the upper right corner of the documentation title bar, there is an option for switching from viewing the documentation for the latest stable release to viewing the documentation for the development version or previously released versions.
On the PyEDB Issues page you can create issues to report bugs and request new features.
On the PyEDB Discussions or the Ansys Developer Discussions page, you can post questions, share ideas, and get community feedback.
To reach the project support team, email pyansys.core@ansys.com.
PyEDB exposes high-level APIs intended to be backend agnostic.
For most users, backend selection should remain a secondary concern. Beginner workflows and examples should focus on the public PyEDB API rather than backend implementation details.
Use the dedicated backend / compatibility / migration documentation page if you need guidance on:
- backend selection,
- platform considerations,
- compatibility validation,
- or migration planning.
PyEDB is licensed under the MIT License.
This library extends the functionality of EDB by adding a Python interface without changing the core behavior or license of the original software.
The use of PyEDB requires a legally licensed local copy of AEDT. To get a copy of AEDT, see the Ansys Electronics page on the Ansys website.