Software guide
How to install QElectroTech for free (step by step)
A free schematic drawing tool. Optional extra for the electrical design and control panel internships.
Last checked 18 Oct 2026.
What it is for
Time
Works on
Official page
Before you download
Released under the GNU General Public License and described on its official site as free software. The site says it is available for Windows, Mac OS and Linux, and names version 0.100 as the latest release.
Checked on the official site on 18 Oct 2026.
What you need
- Windows, macOS or Linux
- A few hundred megabytes of free disk space
- No account
Install it
1.Open qelectrotech.org and choose Download.
You should see: The download page lists the versions for each system.
2.Download the Windows version and run it. Allow the Windows prompt.
You should see: The installer shows its steps.
3.Finish the installer and open QElectroTech from the Start menu.
You should see: The QElectroTech window opens with an empty project.
1.Open qelectrotech.org and choose Download.
You should see: The download page lists the versions for each system.
2.Download the macOS version, open it and drag the app to Applications.
You should see: QElectroTech is in your Applications folder.
3.Open it. If macOS blocks it, use System Settings, Privacy and Security, Open Anyway.
You should see: The QElectroTech window opens with an empty project.
1.Install QElectroTech from your system's software centre or package manager, or use the Linux download on qelectrotech.org.
You should see: QElectroTech appears in your applications list.
2.Open QElectroTech.
You should see: The QElectroTech window opens with an empty project.
Check that it works
1.Drag one symbol from the collection panel onto the page and save the project.
You should see: The symbol sits on the page and the file saves without an error.
If something goes wrong
- The collection panel is empty.
- Open the View menu and turn on the collection panel, then reopen the app if it is still empty.
- Text looks tiny on a high-resolution screen.
- Zoom the page with the mouse wheel and Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac).
- The app will not open on macOS.
- Use System Settings, Privacy and Security, Open Anyway.
- I cannot install software on this computer.
- Use diagrams.net in your browser for the drawing exercises.
If you cannot or do not want to install
diagrams.net draws diagrams in your browser with nothing to install.
Open the browser guideUninstall
- Windows: Settings, Apps, find QElectroTech and choose Uninstall.
- macOS: drag the app from Applications to the bin.
- Linux: remove it with the same tool you used to install it.
Which internships use it
- Control Panel Design and Wiring internship, as an optional extra.
- Electrical Design internship, as an optional extra.
The first 4 weeks of every internship are free. This is training, not employment, and there is no stipend. All software guides.