Klayout 25d View 【LATEST 2025】

that bridges the gap between flat 2D layout and full 3D process modeling. What is the 2.5D View?

KLayout’s 2.5D (often written “25D”) view is a visualization mode that augments planar GDS/OASIS layout layers with a height dimension—letting users inspect and present topography, stackups, and thickness-aware geometries without needing a full 3D CAD tool. It’s especially useful for photonics, MEMS, semiconductor process visualization, and PCB/packaging cross-sections where layer thicknesses or etch depths matter.

: KLayout must be compiled with OpenGL support for the 2.5D viewer to work. Performance Limits

This is the core function for creating individual layers. It takes a layer and extrudes it with a set of options. For a full technical breakdown, refer to the official documentation.

The 25D View is a specialized visualization mode in KLayout that projects 2D layout shapes into three dimensions by applying thickness and height values to specific layers. klayout 25d view

Once installed, a new menu option will appear under > 2.5D View . Configuring the Layer Stack (The .lyp or Script Setup)

Do you need assistance to automate the 3D stack extrusion? Share public link

: True 3D structures with complex volumetric meshes, overhangs, and conformal mappings. 2.5D Layout : Polygons with coordinates are assigned a fixed -axis elevation (height above substrate) and a thickness (

So, where is the 2.5D view most useful in a real design flow? Here are some key applications: that bridges the gap between flat 2D layout

Unlike a true 3D CAD model that uses complex solid geometries, a 2.5D engine extrudes flat polygons vertically. It assumes the shapes have straight, vertical sidewalls. This technique provides a clear view of layer interactions, vias, and step coverages without lagging your computer. Key Benefits for IC Designers

Click and hold the Left Mouse Button , then drag to spin the model around the center anchor point.

(ACM, 2024) discusses using KLayout for DRC and LVS checks, which are the foundational technologies the 2.5D view relies on for generating scripts. API Reference

The in KLayout is a feature that creates a pseudo-3D representation of your layout by extruding 2D layers into vertical blocks . It is primarily a visualization tool used to inspect complex multi-layer structures like via stacks. Key Requirements It takes a layer and extrudes it with a set of options

Rotate, zoom, and tilt the layout to inspect the geometry from any angle.

The 2.5D view isn't just a "one-click" magic button; it requires a bit of configuration to know how high to extrude each layer. Check Requirements : Ensure your version of KLayout is compiled with OpenGL support

: Layout features are often micro- or nano-scale in the plane but incredibly thin in the

: Navigate to Tools > 2.5d View > New 2.5d Script to open a template in the macro editor.