With SmartDraw, You Can Create More than 70 Different Types of Diagrams, Charts, and Visuals.

Circuit Diagram

What is a Circuit Diagram?

A circuit diagram is a visual display of an electrical circuit using either basic images of parts or industry standard symbols. Symbol usage depends on the audience viewing the diagram. These two different types of circuit diagrams are called pictorial (using basic images) or schematic style (using industry standard symbols). A schematic style circuit diagram is used to give a visual representation of an electrical circuit to an electrician. The pictorial style circuit diagram would be used for a broader, less technical audience.

Circuit Diagram Symbols

There are hundreds of different symbols that can be used in a circuit diagram. These include simple images of objects such as a battery or a resistor for a pictorial style circuit diagram, or industry-standard symbols for objects such as capacitors or inductors.

In conjunction with circuit diagram symbols, there are also a series of different types of line styles to connect objects. In the event lines cross, use line hops to show wire crossover. It is important to understand who will be viewing the circuit diagram to ensure use of the correct types of symbols.

How to Create a Circuit Diagram

There are many different ways to create a circuit diagram. They can be created manually, but the more efficient way is to use diagramming software such as SmartDraw, which is designed for this purpose.
Diagramming software that is specifically designed for creating a circuit diagram offers several advantages.

• It is fast and allows for simple construction.
• It provides access to thousands of symbols.
• It is easy to share electronically.
• It provides precise placement of objects.
• It is easy to edit.

SmartDraw allows you to quickly, accurately, and easily create a circuit diagram.
It also allows you to create personal custom libraries of symbols you commonly use.
Watch this quick tutorial on creating electrical circuit diagrams.
Learn more about how to make a circuit diagram by reading this circuit diagram tutorial.

Circuit Diagram Examples

The best way to understand circuit diagrams is to look at some examples of circuit diagrams.

Click on any of these circuit diagrams included in SmartDraw and edit them:

Browse SmartDraw’s entire collection of circuit diagram examples and templates.