Is there any free software that can convert Cadence files (.dsn, .opj, .brd) into Eagle CAD files (.brd, .sch)?
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A quick google search revealed these: [element14 forum thread](http://www.element14.com/community/thread/22898/l/orcad-sch-to-eagle-software) and [eaglecentral forum thread](http://www.eaglecentral.ca/forums/index.php/mv/msg/48028/149992/). You can also look at [cadsoftUSA ULP downloads](http://www.cadsoftusa.com/downloads/ulps?language=en). – Evan Jul 14 '14 at 12:12
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If you ever get stuck doing translation by hand, importing gerbers onto a graphic layer and placing/routing over them can at least let you salvage the design thought which went into the original. – Chris Stratton Jul 31 '14 at 20:15
2 Answers
Importing from different CAD packages often has issues.
There are three main parts: schematics, libraries (containing schematic symbols and PCB footprints) and PCB layout.
CAD packages can import them as individual's but do not necessarily import all three as a linked package. This can cause issues for future maintenance of the boards and manufacturing issues due to footprint's not being verified and validated fully during the translation.
A safer and often shorter in the long term approach is to duplicate the library parts and verify all symbols and foot prints, followed be re-entering the schematics, (this will be trivial once all the parts are in the library) and re-laying out the PCB using the existing PCB files as a guide.
This is the only way you can be certain all parts used are correct, and you have not created or lost any artefacts during the PCB importation process.

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