Designing control systems or wiring diagrams? Then you’re probably already aware that the right CAD platform can make or break your workflow. Electra Software has gained popularity among electrical engineers for its user-focused approach to schematic design — striking a balance between powerful automation and intuitive usability.
In this review, we’ll explore what makes electra software stand out in the crowded CAD landscape, then examine how it integrates seamlessly with other engineering tools like maglib, opalis, and propa. The goal? Streamlining your entire engineering process from design to deployment.
What Is Electra Software?
At its core, electra software is an electrical design automation tool. It’s primarily used for control panel layouts, industrial automation schematics, and detailed electrical drawings. Unlike heavy-duty platforms bloated with unnecessary features, Electra focuses on clarity and speed — giving small and mid-sized teams a tool that delivers without overcomplicating things.
Notable features include:
- A drag-and-drop interface
- Built-in electrical symbol libraries
- Instant wiring diagrams and BOM generation
- Real-time error detection as you design
Its simplicity makes it approachable, but its smart components and automation features give it serious depth. Electra is particularly well-suited for engineers who want rapid results without sacrificing accuracy or standards compliance.
Top Engineering Features in Electra Software
So what exactly can engineers expect when working with electra software? Let’s break it down by functionality.
1. Lightning-Fast Schematic Drawing
Forget fiddling with grid alignments or connectors. Electra uses intelligent snapping, smart routing, and auto-alignment to help you draw faster. Each line you place connects precisely, and components “snap” into logical positions. This saves hours of layout time and reduces formatting errors.
2. Smart Symbol Libraries
Electra comes preloaded with international-standard libraries (IEC, ANSI, and more). These aren’t just graphics — they’re intelligent components that bring metadata with them. Add a relay, and Electra can automatically include it in your parts list, wire table, and reports.
Plus, you can build and reuse your own symbols — ideal for companies working with proprietary hardware or standard product kits.
3. One-Click Report Generation
No one loves compiling documentation by hand. Electra simplifies this by generating:
- Bills of materials (BOMs)
- Wire and cable lists
- Terminal block reports
- Device summaries
All of these are exportable as PDF or CSV, perfect for attaching to manufacturing packages or client handoffs.
4. Live Error Detection
Mistakes are expensive — especially if they go unnoticed until installation. Electra proactively flags:
- Unconnected wires
- Conflicting voltages
- Duplicated component labels
- Overloaded terminals
This live feedback lets you catch problems before they become project delays.
Integration with MagLib, Opalis, and Propa
Electra becomes even more powerful when used alongside specialized engineering tools. Let’s look at how maglib, opalis, and propa turn Electra into a full-stack solution.
MagLib: Centralized Component Intelligence
Maglib serves as a modular part database. It stores component specs, vendor info, part numbers, and even lifecycle data like EOL notices.
Benefits when paired with Electra:
- Drag components from maglib directly into your Electra drawings
- Ensure BOMs stay current with vendor pricing and part availability
- Get notified when a part is obsolete — and automatically suggest alternatives
Especially useful in large-scale or legacy systems, maglib keeps your documentation accurate and procurement-ready.
Opalis: Automated Workflow Engine
Opalis is all about automation. It can manage triggers, conversions, and notifications across the entire engineering pipeline.
What it does for Electra users:
- Auto-converts designs to PDF when approved
- Sends finalized reports to vendors or manufacturers
- Versions every file in Git or another VCS system
- Triggers simulations or validation scripts after schematic updates
In fast-paced environments, opalis removes manual steps and keeps projects moving without bottlenecks.
Propa: Standardized Project Configuration
Propa is a small but mighty tool that manages project-wide parameters — things like voltage defaults, symbol formats, or language preferences.
Why it matters:
- Share settings across teams or projects using a central config
- Eliminate inconsistencies in multilingual or cross-discipline teams
- Sync project parameters with other platforms like PLC or SCADA software
For companies that work on tightly regulated systems or multinational deployments, propa ensures you’re not fixing avoidable inconsistencies later on.
Why the Electra Ecosystem Matters
Sure, you can use electra software on its own — and it will deliver. But when combined with maglib, opalis, and propa, you’re looking at a truly modern engineering ecosystem.
Together, these tools offer:
- Better data quality through shared sources
- Fewer errors through configuration control
- Faster turnaround through automation
- Consistent reporting across departments
Whether you’re working in industrial automation, power systems, or smart infrastructure, this toolkit supports the kind of agile collaboration that modern engineering demands.
Licensing, Support, and Scalability
A big reason Electra has gained traction in smaller firms is cost. Unlike some of the big-name platforms that require annual subscriptions, Electra offers perpetual licensing and team packages.
Support resources include:
- In-depth documentation and tutorials
- Email or live-chat with real engineers
- Community forums with downloadable symbols and shared libraries
This keeps onboarding quick and helps engineering teams solve problems without long waits or pricey support contracts.
Who Should Use Electra Software?
If you’re an electrical engineer, automation integrator, or systems designer, electra software should be on your shortlist. It’s especially valuable for:
- Mid-sized engineering teams that need speed without sacrificing quality
- Solo engineers who want fast, standards-compliant documentation
- Agile environments that benefit from automation and version control
Pairing Electra with maglib, opalis, and propa adds layers of traceability, intelligence, and collaboration — making it a great fit for industries like:
- Manufacturing and industrial automation
- Renewable energy and smart grids
- Aerospace and automotive electrical systems
- Facility and building automation