While powerful, the KLayout 2.5D view has distinct limitations compared to commercial TCAD tools:
allows you to visualize 2D layouts as extruded 3D objects, providing a clearer perspective on layer stacks and connectivity. Accessing the 2.5D View Open your layout in the KLayout Editor Navigate to the to open the visualization in a new tab. Navigation Controls The view uses camera-based movement relative to a pivot point (marked by a compass icon): Rotate (Azimuth/Elevation) Right-click + Drag Move Pivot (Up/Down/Left/Right) Middle-click + Drag Move Pivot (Forward/Backward) Mouse Wheel Zoom (Magnify/Shrink) + Mouse Wheel Top-Level View Toggle Keyboard Panning Arrow Keys Keyboard Rotation + Arrow Keys Key Features klayout 25d view
Define layers using the z function. For example, to extrude Layer 1 (thickness 200nm) and Layer 2 (thickness 300nm): While powerful, the KLayout 2
, this feature is a significant part of the KLayout open-source project, which is frequently cited in research involving layout verification and Electronic Design Automation (EDA). Key Technical Documentation and References For example, to extrude Layer 1 (thickness 200nm)