Flux

Flux is a browser-based AI PCB design platform for hardware engineers and teams. It helps users plan, schematic, layout, and prepare electronics projects for manufacturing inside an editable eCAD workflow.

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Overview

Flux is a browser-based PCB and electronics design platform that combines collaborative eCAD tools with AI-assisted workflows. It is positioned for people building hardware who want help moving from idea to schematic, layout, and manufacturing preparation inside one editable environment.

According to the site, Flux can plan a project from a natural-language prompt, generate schematics and BoMs, place and route a layout, and prepare outputs for fabrication. The product emphasizes explainable AI, live component data, and shared workflows so individuals and teams can work on hardware designs without leaving the browser.

Core features

Browser-based PCB design

Flux runs in the browser as a full eCAD environment, so designs can be created, reviewed, and edited without installing desktop software.

AI-guided design workflow

The workflow starts with a prompt and moves through planning, schematic generation, layout, and manufacturing preparation with AI assistance at each stage.

Transparent AI assistance

Flux explains its decisions, checks in for feedback, and keeps users in control while handling repetitive design work.

Live parts and BoM data

The platform uses live component data, including inventory, pricing, and alternates, to help keep bill of materials decisions sourceable.

Real-time collaboration

Users can collaborate in real time with version control and advanced permissions for shared design work.

Design validation guardrails

The platform includes guardrails such as design rule checks, supply chain monitoring, and manufacturability validation.

Common use cases

Early-stage concept planning
Use Flux to turn a hardware idea into a structured design plan before committing to schematic work, especially when the requirements are still being refined.
Schematic and BoM creation
Use the platform to generate schematics and BoMs while checking in at key moments, which can help speed up board development without fully handing over control.
Editable PCB layout work
Use Flux for layouts that need to remain editable after AI assistance, making it easier to continue optimization or hand off work within a team.
Team collaboration on boards
Use the browser workspace for shared hardware projects where multiple editors need permissions, centralized billing, and collaboration across a team.
Fabrication preparation
Use the manufacturing outputs and parts-aware workflow when preparing a design for fabrication and sourcing.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Combines PCB design, collaboration, and AI assistance in a single browser-based environment.
Supports a workflow from planning through schematic, layout, and fabrication prep.
Uses live component data to reflect inventory, pricing, and alternates during design.
Makes AI actions explainable and reviewable rather than opaque.
Includes collaboration features such as shared workspaces, permissions, and version control.

Cons

Flux’s AI usage is metered with ACUs, so heavier use can require more capacity beyond the included monthly allowance.
Some export formats and enterprise controls are only mentioned for higher-tier plans, so not every capability is available on every plan.
The site frames Flux as browser-based, which may not suit teams that prefer traditional desktop CAD workflows.

FAQ

Is there a free way to keep using Flux?

Flux offers a two-week free trial of premium features. After the trial, you can still keep a Flux account and use public projects and the community, but editing private projects, exporting them, and using AI requires a paid plan.

What are ACUs in Flux?

ACUs are Agent Compute Units, the way Flux meters AI usage across chat and AI workflows. Plans include a monthly ACU allowance, and usage depends on task complexity.

What does Flux mean by an editor?

An editor is someone who can make changes to a project under that project’s sharing permissions. On private projects, invited editors are billed at the per-editor rate on the plan.

Can organizations request invoicing?

Yes. The pricing page says invoicing is available on the Enterprise plan.

How do I cancel a Flux plan?

Flux says you can cancel your plan at any time from your profile under Plans & Payments.