Klayout 25d View [repack] Jun 2026
zz(options) block : Groups multiple z statements into a single material for easier display management.
One of the best debugging features is the . By enabling a clipping plane along the X or Y axis, you can cut your 3D model in half. This lets you look inside the chip to ensure your vias are physically touching the metal layers above and below them. Transparency and Color Adjustments
: Layout features are often micro- or nano-scale in the plane but incredibly thin in the
Disable dummy fill layers or text layers before launching the 2.5D view. klayout 25d view
The 2.5D view complements KLayout's robust cross-section tool. While the cross-section tool provides a strictly 2D slice view (essential for DRC checks), the 25D view allows the engineer to "fly around" the structure to understand spatial relationships in three dimensions instantly.
: Navigate to Tools > 2.5d View > New 2.5d Script to open a template in the macro editor.
For designers working on MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) or TSV (Through-Silicon Via) technologies, the 25D view is vital. Visualizing how a cavity etches through layers or how a TSV pierces the bulk silicon is difficult in 2D. KLayout allows rapid visualization of these vertical structures without needing a full physics simulation run. zz(options) block : Groups multiple z statements into
The baseline elevation where the layer begins relative to the substrate (
Click on > 25D View . A new workspace window will appear. Step 2: Define Layer Heights and Thicknesses
When explaining a layout to colleagues or in a design review, the 2.5D view provides a much clearer narrative than dozens of 2D layer screenshots. It helps non-layout experts (e.g., circuit designers) quickly grasp the physical topology. This lets you look inside the chip to
Unlocking the Third Dimension: A Complete Guide to the KLayout 2.5D View
To display a 2.5D structure accurately, KLayout needs to know the physical dimensions of your process node. It needs to know how high Metal 1 sits above the silicon, and how thick it is.
: Use the following functions in your script: z(layer, options) : Extrudes a specific DRC layer.
You can start by generating a new, blank script from the menu: Tools → 2.5d View → New 2.5d Script
