KLayout exposes its 25D functionality via Ruby and Python APIs. For advanced users, scripts can generate 25D snapshots for documentation or automated review.
It's called 2.5D because the extrusion is simple: a layer is taken as a flat 2D polygon and pulled straight up to a given height. It does not model complex 3D topography like sloped sidewalls or conformal coatings. It's a "prism" view, not a full solid model.
The visual clarity of the 2.5D view is directly linked to your existing layer properties. KLayout intelligently maps the colors and styles you've set in your layer list to the extruded shapes in the 2.5D window.
By mastering the z and zz functions and learning to integrate them with DRC operations, you can quickly transform any layout into a powerful 3D visualization that enhances design verification, failure analysis, and team communication. If you found this guide helpful, consider checking out the official KLayout documentation for even more advanced scripting techniques. klayout 25d view
Enter the —a powerful, integrated feature that provides a pseudo-3D representation of your layout, allowing designers to inspect connectivity and vertical structure without the complexity of a full 3D CAD tool. What is the KLayout 2.5D View?
It is highly effective at visualizing 3D wiring congestion, allowing engineers to spot overcrowding in specific Z-areas.
It cannot simulate actual fabrication topology (e.g., oxide thickness, rounding). Comparison: KLayout 2D vs. 2.5D Perspective Top-down (plan view) Rotatable, semi-3D Use Case Layout design, DRC editing Congestion check, stackup inspection Performance High (handles millions of shapes) Medium (limits, 100k polygons) Complexity Requires scripting/stackup setup Conclusion KLayout exposes its 25D functionality via Ruby and
The view is best suited for localized views rather than full-chip visualization. A rough practical limit for performance is around 100,000 polygons .
: KLayout must be compiled with OpenGL support for the 2.5D viewer to work. Performance Limits
Once installed, a new menu option will appear under > 2.5D View . Configuring the Layer Stack (The .lyp or Script Setup) It does not model complex 3D topography like
Once your 2.5D view is open, you can navigate the scene using intuitive mouse and keyboard controls. The movement is based on controlling a .
The 2.5D view serves several critical roles in the VLSI and photonics design flow:
A dedicated list on the right allows you to toggle specific material groups on or off, which is useful for "peeling back" upper metal layers to see lower-level transistor structures.
Example:
: Use specific DRC functions to build your stack: z(layer, [options]) : Extrudes a specific layer.