# Why you should start designing your PCB from a template Design PCBs faster with Flux templates. Find reference designs, manufacturer rule sets, and example projects you can fork and customize in seconds. Written by [Ryan Fitzgerald](https://www.flux.ai/ryanf) Published Mar 2026 - 3 min read ![Why you should start designing your PCB from a template](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/start-from-a-template/main.webp) ## Every hour you spend wiring up decoupling caps and boot circuitry from scratch is an hour you're not designing. Flux has a growing library of open projects, reference designs, manufacturer-optimized templates, and reusable modules that can save you hours of setup time. Think of it like GitHub for hardware: a community-driven ecosystem where every public project is something you can learn from, fork, and build on. Here's how to take advantage of it. ## Finding What You Need in 30 Seconds Here's a quick reference for discovering content: 1. Search bar— Use the search bar at the top of Flux to find templates, reference designs, components, modules, or public projects by name or keyword. 2. Tags— Search for hashtags like#reference-design,#template, or#manufacturer-design-rulesto browse curated categories. 3. New project dialog— When you create a new project, the template picker lets you browse and search all available templates and reference designs. 4. Component library— In the editor, the left-side component library panel lets you search for components and modules to add to your project. 5. Fork or clone— Found a public project you like? Fork it to get your own editable copy, then customize it for your needs. ## Start With a Reference Design This is one of the biggest time-savers we see. Many users search for a microcontroller, like an ESP32 or an ATmega328P, and drop the bare chip into a blank project. Then they spend either the next hour wiring up peripherals manually or ask AI to add the crystal, decoupling caps, voltage regulator, USB-to-serial bridge, and boot circuitry that every design needs. A smarter move: **start with a reference design that already has all of that done.** The most popular reference designs on Flux right now are: **Reference Design** **What You Get** [ESP32-WROOM-32E Reference Design](https://www.flux.ai/projects/forkProject?documentUid=b4277bd6-530c-4eeb-a87a-7a8a7e8bc355) USB-C, CH340C serial bridge, voltage regulation, boot/reset buttons, and peripheral connectors — ready to customize [ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 Reference Design](https://www.flux.ai/projects/forkProject?documentUid=6867f28b-5802-4f5b-8933-b64d7c1a3f2f) 3 LEDs, USB-C for firmware, EN/BOOT buttons, and 2 IO connectors for development [Arduino Uno R3 Shield Template](https://www.flux.ai/projects/forkProject?documentUid=d8a8b94c-fe33-4dcc-9f1c-6b8fa2138734) Full Arduino Uno R3 pinout with pin name labels, 3D model on PCB, and board outline on silkscreen [• Raspberry Pi 5 Hat Template](https://www.flux.ai/projects/forkProject?documentUid=67989538-b95b-4f83-b5eb-646d3989feb3) [• Raspberry Pi 3B+ Hat Template](https://www.flux.ai/projects/forkProject?documentUid=931b0bd1-3280-40af-bba0-6c74e21e9b6f) [• Raspberry Pi Pico 2 Board](https://www.flux.ai/projects/forkProject?documentUid=c6d1414e-a374-465c-80c5-8fb296264574) [• Raspberry Pi Pico 2W Board](https://www.flux.ai/projects/forkProject?documentUid=e8141a34-529d-4724-be74-961dedd1fb96) [• RP2040 Simple Template](https://www.flux.ai/projects/forkProject?documentUid=d8df8ca7-7d88-47ab-bed1-5df4ab7de740) Shields and Hat templates with raspberry pinout mapped and ready for add-on circuitry ESP32 is far and away the most searched term on Flux. If you're building with an ESP32, starting from the [ESP32-WROOM-32E Reference Design](https://www.flux.ai/vasy_skral/esp32-wroom-32e-reference-design) or the [ESP32-S3 Reference Design](https://www.flux.ai/search?q=ESP32-S3-WROOM-1+Reference+Design) will save you significant setup time. Use the search bar at the top of Flux and search for your microcontroller name, or try the tag [#reference-design](https://www.flux.ai/search?q=%23reference-design) to browse all reference designs in the library. You can also select a reference design directly from the template picker when you create a new project. Once you've cloned a reference design, you can modify it for your needs with Flux, just tell it what you want to add or change, and it'll update the schematic for you. ## Use Manufacturer Templates to Avoid DRC Issues If you already know which fabrication house you're going to use, start with a **manufacturer template**. These come pre-configured with the correct design rules (trace widths, via sizes, clearances) for that specific manufacturer, so you don't have to manually configure them, and you won't get hit with DRC violations right before you export. The most popular manufacturer templates on Flux: **Template** **What It Includes** [\[2-layer\] JLCPCB Constraints](https://www.flux.ai/projects/forkProject?documentUid=cf84a2a9-320c-1ca3-8fb7-1e72ca542f82) Via min/max and trace width constraints for 1-2 layer JLCPCB boards, baked as global rules [\[Multi-layer\] JLCPCB Constraints](https://www.flux.ai/projects/forkProject?documentUid=f9ce3101-257e-696c-9928-f717f24ab510) Same constraints optimized for multi-layer JLCPCB boards [PCBWay 4 Layer Stackup](https://www.flux.ai/projects/forkProject?documentUid=1f4419c1-c80a-4dd7-a6bd-937bf76b5786) 4-layer stackup configured for PCBWay manufacturing specs [Aisler 2 Layer HASL](https://www.flux.ai/projects/forkProject?documentUid=a43b9a5f-1f33-459c-88b9-d4cb0cee0061) 2-layer stackup configured for Aisler manufacturing HASL specs [Lion Circuits 2 Layer](https://www.flux.ai/projects/forkProject?documentUid=70f77a5b-8f22-4d8d-a9c6-9eacff3e3703) 2-layer stackup configured for Lion Circuits manufacturing specs [Seeed Studio 4 Layer](https://www.flux.ai/projects/forkProject?documentUid=c13d1c2a-e3f3-4022-8a53-150d1893e35d) 4-layer stackup configured for Seeed Studio's manufacturing specs [OshPark 2 Layer](https://www.flux.ai/projects/forkProject?documentUid=5e26899b-f3a7-47e6-86b0-f3c986359730) 2-layer stackup configured for OshPark manufacturing specs [NextPCB 1 to 6 Layer Basic](https://www.flux.ai/projects/forkProject?documentUid=c6c5e5c6-8fae-4276-97fa-4aa3c8845ece) 1 to 6 layer stackup configured for NextPCB manufacturing specs Search for [#manufacturer-design-rules](https://www.flux.ai/search?q=%23manufacturer-design-rules) in Flux, or select a manufacturer template from the new project dialog. ## Fork an Example Project to Learn by Doing Some of the most-used content on Flux is fully built example projects that teach you how to use specific features. These projects have been cloned and forked tens of thousands of times because they let you learn hands-on. The most popular projects: **Example Project** **Description** **What You Could Make with It** [ESP32 Dual Ultrasonic Water Leveling Board](https://www.flux.ai/jharwinbarrozo/esp32-dual-ultrasonic-water-level-monitoring-system) Monitors water levels across two tanks and supports automated pump or valve control over Wi-Fi.ESP32 + two ultrasonic sensors + LM2596 power stage. • Sump pump / basement flood controller • Rain barrel + irrigation manager • Smart hydroponics reservoir monitor • Non-contact bin / silo fill monitor [PICO Smart Automation Controller](https://www.flux.ai/jharwinbarrozo/esp32-dual-ultrasonic-water-level-monitoring-system) RP2350A + ESP-WROOM-02D Wi-Fi. A compact controller that reads sensors and triggers relays, with the MCU handling real-time logic and Wi-Fi handling remote control. • Smart breaker / load-shedding box • Garage / gate controller • Greenhouse controller: • Alarm panel / sensor hub • Industrial “edge IO” node [E-ink Smart Thermostat](https://www.flux.ai/jharwinbarrozo/esp32-dual-ultrasonic-water-level-monitoring-system) ESP32 + BME680 + E-ink display + encoder. Monitors air quality, temperature, and humidity with a low-power persistent display and a single knob for settings. • E‑ink room monitor / AQ dashboard • Battery-first e‑ink sensor node • Smart home controller • Desk productivity timer • Kitchen/fermentation monitor [RPi PICO Stepper Motor Driver](https://www.flux.ai/jharwinbarrozo/esp32-dual-ultrasonic-water-level-monitoring-system) RP2350A + L297/L298N drivers. Controls two-phase bipolar stepper motors with precise timing, built for robotics and automation applications. • Camera slider / pan-tilt head • Mini CNC / plotter axis board • Robotic valve / damper actuator • Smart blinds / curtain controller • Lab automation (syringe pump / linear stage) Open any of these, click Fork, and you'll have your own editable copy in seconds. ## Your Projects Can Save Someone Else Hours The reference designs and templates in this post exist because someone published their work. If you've built something reusable, a template with manufacturing spec rules, and a clean reference design, publish it. The next person searching for your exact use case will find it. [START BUILDING](https://www.flux.ai/p/projects) ## About the author [Ryan Fitzgerald](https://www.flux.ai/ryanf) Electronics Engineer at Flux Ryan is an electronics and electrical systems engineer with a focus on bridging the gap between deep learning intelligent algorithms and innovative hardware design. Find him on Flux [@ryanf](https://www.flux.ai/ryanf) Let’s start building Build your big idea together with Flux. All you need to do is describe what you want to make, or what problem you want to solve. Flux will work with you to make it a reality. ![Close-up photo of a PCB made with Flux, with an ESP32 module, buttons, and a microSD slot.](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/miscellaneous/sidebar-cta-pcb.webp) [Try it Free](https://www.flux.ai/signup) ## More in Step-by-Step Projects & Templates [ ![Two custom macro pads designed using Flux and powered by Raspberry Pi Pico. The pads feature 12 mechanical switches with per-key white keycaps, two rotary encoders for additional control, and a slide potentiometer for precise adjustments. Both boards are displayed with a vibrant purple PCB design, showcasing Flux's PCB editor and its newest AI Auto-Layout, and are compatible with popular manufacturer specifications.](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/rpi-macro-2/main.webp) ### Design Your Own Macropad With AI Auto-Layout 8 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/how-to-design-a-custom-macro-pad-with-flux)[ ![This image features two main components: On the left is a detailed layout design of an electronic circuit board named "GREEN DOT 2040E5," dated 2023.11.11, and marked as made with Flux.AI. This board includes an RP2040 microcontroller at its heart, surrounded by various electronic components like resistors, capacitors, a switch, and interface connectors for peripherals, labeled with GPIO pins, I2C connections (SDA and SCL), ground (GND), and power supply inputs (3.3V, 5V, 12V). On the right, there's a physical representation of the IoT device, which is an assembled and operational LoRa IoT Sensor Node powered by a battery pack and RP2040 microcontroller. The node is connected to a long, black antenna, indicating its capability to communicate over LoRa (Long Range) wireless networks, commonly used in agriculture for remote monitoring and control. The setup suggests its application in smart agriculture solutions, utilizing IoT technology to collect and transmit data for agricultural purposes.](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/green-dot-board-how-to/main.webp) ### How to design and deploy a LoRa IoT sensor node with RP2040 14 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/how-to-design-and-deploy-a-lora-iot-sensor-node-with-rp2040)[ ![Using copilot to help design a webcam based on Omnivision's image sensor. Half of the screen is about the schematic and half is about the pcb layout.](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/using-ai-to-design-webcam/main.webp) ### Using AI to Design a Webcam: An End-to-End Example 8 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/using-ai-to-design-a-webcam-an-end-to-end-example)[ ![40+ open-source hardware projects you can build over the holidays with Flux](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/projects-you-can-build-over-the-holidays/main.webp) ### 40+ Hardware Projects You Can Build Over the Holidays 7 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/40-plus-hardware-projects-you-can-build-over-the-holidays)[ ![How to Design a Custom Keyboard PCB](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/how-to-design-a-keyboard-pcb/main.webp) ### How to Design a Custom Keyboard PCB 12 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/how-to-design-a-keyboard-pcb)[ ![Arduino microcontroller board used in a home automation system project. Do it yourself or hobbyist level PCB board.](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/arduino-essential-guides/main.webp) ### Master DIY Electronics: Essential Guides to Arduino Projects 7 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/master-diy-electronics-essential-guides-to-arduino-projects)[ ![Two blurred Arduino boards placed at the background and an upcoming Arduino Matter Board at the foreground. Arduino and Silicon Labs team up to make the Matter protocol accessible to all](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/arduino-matter/main.webp) ### Revolutionizing IoT Design: Flux Brings Arduino-Based Matter Projects to Life 4 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/revolutionizing-iot-design-flux-brings-arduino-based-matter-projects-to-life)[ ![Different reference design PCB boards made with Flux](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/harnessing-power-reference-designs/main.webp) ### Harnessing the Power of Flux for Industrial Sensing Applications 8 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/harnessing-the-power-of-flux-for-industrial-sensing-applications)[ ![Ryan, an electronics engineer holding an AI pin he created using Flux with the help of Copilot.](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/ai-pin-tutorial/main.webp) ### PCB Design Tutorial: AI Pendant 3 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/pcb-design-tutorial-ai-pendant)[ ![Top 5 CES 2025 Hardware Projects You Can Build With Flux](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/ces2025-projects/main.webp) ### Top 5 CES 2025 Hardware Projects You Can Build With Flux 5 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/top-5-ces-2025-hardware-projects-you-can-build-with-flux)[ ![A user interface featuring a dialog box that appears at the start of each new project, providing a selection of pre-designed templates. This feature allows users to quickly initiate their designs by choosing from an array of pre-existing options tailored to different project types.](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/project-launcher/main.webp) ### Never Start from Scratch Again: Introducing the New Project Launcher 3 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/never-start-from-scratch-again-introducing-the-new-project-launcher)[ ![Flux app screenshot with raspberry pi pico schematic diagram](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/raspberry-pi-pico-in-20mins/main.webp) ### Raspberry Pi Pico Schematic in 20 minutes using Flux Copilot 4 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/raspberry-pi-pico-schematic-in-20-minutes-using-flux-copilot)[ ![Agri.iO revolutionizes farming with Flux](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/case-study-agri-io/main.webp) ### Agri.iO revolutionizes farming with Flux 4 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/agri-io-revolutionizes-farming-with-flux)[ ![Tilt Tracker smart sensor mounted on a door lock, with a phone app showing the door is locked](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/case-study-tilt-tracker/main.webp) ### He'd never designed a PCB. Now Tilt Tracker is taking pre-orders. 6 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/building-tilt-tracker-first-pcb-in-flux)[ ![Top 10 Popular Microcontrollers for Embedded Systems including STM32F103C8T6, ESP32, ESP8266, ATtiny85, PIC16F877A, ATmega32U4, ATmega328P, and more. Essential MCUs for IoT, DIY projects, and professional PCB designs with key features like Wi-Fi, USB, and Bluetooth support.](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/top-10-popular-mcu/main.webp) ### Design Your First PCB: 10 Popular Microcontrollers to Get Started 5 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/design-your-first-pcb-10-popular-microcontrollers-to-get-started)[ ![New NextPCB Templates For More Streamlined Manufacturing](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/nextpcb-templates/main.webp) ### New NextPCB Templates For More Streamlined Manufacturing 4 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/new-nextpcb-templates-for-more-streamlined-manufacturing)[ ![Flux + Seeed: From Template to PCB in Minutes](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/blogs/flux-to-seeed/main.webp) ### Flux + Seeed: From Template to PCB in Minutes 3 Min Read](https://www.flux.ai/p/blog/flux-seeed-from-template-to-pcb-in-minutes) See All (17) ## Let’s start building. Let’s build your idea together. All you need to do is describe what you want to make, or what problem you want to solve. Flux will work with you to make it a reality. [Try it Free](https://www.flux.ai/signup) ![Close-up of a Flux-designed printed circuit board](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/mission-visual.webp)