# Quickstart

In a rush? Don't like reading docs? We get it.

Here's the minimum information you need to know to submit a layout job to Quilter.

### Things you must do

1. **Start with a complete schematic.** \
   Quilter only handles layout, so we can't do this for you. You must provide a complete schematic in a supported CAD file format (currently Altium, KiCAD, Cadence Allegro, and Siemens Xpedition). For more details, see [Design your schematic](/using-quilter/design-your-schematic.md).<br>
2. **Generate your input board file.** \
   Once your schematic is complete, create a linked board file that includes the essential information Quilter needs to generate your layout, specifically:

   1. A valid board outline
   2. Component footprints
   3. A netlist

   \*\* If you are using **Allegro** or **Xpedition** then you'll need to download and run an exporter script to generate the IPC-2581 format. These are available on the Upload files page when you create a new Quilter job.
3. **Pre-place location-sensitive components.** \
   Quilter will automatically place and route any components that are outside the board outline, and treats pre-placed components and pre-routed copper as "locked." If your board is fully placed and routed, there's nothing for Quilter to do. For more details, see [Prepare your input board file](/using-quilter/prepare-your-input-board-file.md)<br>
4. **Upload your design files to Quilter.** \
   Visit <https://app.quilter.ai> to create an account and follow the in-app instructions for uploading your design files. For more details, refer to [Upload your design files](/using-quilter/upload-your-design-files.md).

### Things You Should Avoid

* **Do not submit a fully placed and routed board.** \
  We understand you may want to test Quilter on a previously completed design, but uploading a finished layout leaves nothing for Quilter to do.<br>
* **We cannot generate a schematic for you.** \
  Quilter only creates layouts from complete schematics. If you need assistance generating your schematic, consider using a tool like [Flux.ai](https://flux.ai), [CELUS](https://www.celus.io/), or [Circuit Mind](https://www.circuitmind.io/).

### Guides for Getting the Best Results

#### [Placement Guide](/guides/placement-guide.md)


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