Altium’s latest printed circuit board (PCB) design tool, Designer 16, incorporates a range of new features including a new component-placement system and an alternate parts-choice system. The improved clearance support (Fig. 1) visually highlights adjacent areas that are out of bounds. This makes it easier for a designer to see where and why a new path may or may not be allowed. The highlights change when a new signal path is chosen. Additionally, it helps to cut down on design time by clearly defining boundaries. Also, it helps designers cut down on design errors because they know where boundaries are located.