Frequently asked questions
Straight answers for engineers deciding whether SchematicForge fits their documentation workflow.
What input do I need?
A single IO list spreadsheet. You can start with the free template on the templates page, and the import wizard maps your columns automatically.
What exactly do I get out?
A bookmarked PDF (cover, legend, notes, drawing index, registers, I/O appendix, loop sheets), native DXF with editable blocks, the Loop Register workbook, a cable schedule, and termination lists — all from the same loop and signal data. Free download is the watermarked PDF of the first 15 field-wired loops; DXF is the pack.
Can I edit the drawings afterwards?
Yes. Drawings are native DXF with native blocks and your layer names, so they open and edit in any CAD tool without conversion.
Will it match our company CAD standard?
The title block, layer map, terminal numbering, and cable ID pattern are all configurable per project, so output can follow your standard.
What happens when the design changes?
You edit the register and re-import it; only the affected drawings regenerate, and a delta report tells you exactly what to re-issue. Inside the paid loop band that regeneration is $0. If the list grows past the band, you pay the difference to the next band — not a second full pack.
Does it handle control valves with multiple signals?
Yes. Loops carry multiple signals across different cards and voltage classes, each rendered on its own lane with correct per-lane destinations.
What about multi-sheet loops?
Loops that exceed one sheet break at lane boundaries with continuation flags, wire numbers repeated across the break, and "SHEET n OF n" in every title block.
Is my data safe?
Uploads and artifacts are encrypted in transit and at rest. Guest previews are kept until claimed at signup; they are not auto-deleted. We sign your NDA and answer security questionnaires at schematicforge@gmail.com the same day. DPA at /dpa. See /security.
Do you use AI?
Loop diagrams, schedules, and registers are fully deterministic: same input, same output. No model is used to draw loops.
Can I run it on our own servers?
Yes, on the enterprise tier, which ships the same application as a Docker image for your infrastructure.
How is it priced?
Buy the pack that covers this IO list. Regenerating Rev B/C inside that band does not buy the pack again. If the list grows past the band, you pay the difference to the next band. Loop credits are a 12-month multi-project option, not the default. Use the calculator on the /pricing page.
Does the free PDF include my whole IO list?
No. Free is one project and the first 15 field-wired loops, watermarked. Loops 16+ stay in the project ungenerated. A pack issues the full set as clean PDF and DXF.
Does it work with DeltaV, Siemens, or Allen-Bradley IO lists?
Yes if the sheet has a tag column and signal type (AI/AO/DI/DO). Card, slot, and channel fill the I/O appendix and drawings. SchematicForge does not ship vendor symbol libraries.
Are cable screens bonded to PE or IE?
The drawing follows the terminals and cable data on the loop. Screen bonding to PE versus IE is your project standard — set it in the data; the engine does not invent bonding.
Packs or loop credits?
Default is a pack for this project. Credits (500 / 1,000 / 2,500, 12 months) are for consultancies burning loops across several jobs. A 150-loop job is $399 as Growth, or $895 as a 500-credit block — credits cost more on a single job on purpose.
Will you sign our NDA?
Yes. Email schematicforge@gmail.com; same-day reply. The DPA is at /dpa (PDF on that page). Enterprise can run the same application as a Docker image on your network.
Can I pay by bank transfer / get an invoice?
Yes, above the invoice threshold we issue an invoice and accept bank transfer. See the /refunds page for details.
Is the output safety-certified?
No. Generated documents are drafting aids and are not a SIL/IEC 61511 deliverable. Engineer review and approval are still required.
What if the output is wrong?
Engineer review is still required — the tool is a drafting accelerator, not an approval authority. If a defect is ours, we fix it and you regenerate for free.
Try it with your own data
Upload an IO list on the home page for a free parse preview — no account needed — or download the free IO list template to get started.