Repair software
The programs you need to use the files indexed here. All links go to the developers' own sites.
Boardview viewers
Programs that open boardview files and let you click a part or a net to see where it goes.
| Program | What it is for | Platforms | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenBoardView | The default choice. Fast, searchable, supports most repair formats. .brd .bdv .bv .bvr .cad .fz .asc .cst .f2b .tvw .pcb | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free, open source |
| FlexBV | Links a PDF schematic to the boardview so a click on a net jumps between them. .brd .bdv .cad .fz .tvw .asc .bvr .pcb | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free tier / paid licence |
| BoardViewer | Long-standing viewer with wide format coverage, including Tebo .tvw. .brd .bdv .cad .fz .tvw .bv .cst | Windows | Free |
| Allegro Free Physical Viewer | Opens native Cadence Allegro .brd design databases. Allegro .brd | Windows | Free |
Firmware tools
For reading, inspecting and writing BIOS and EC flash chips.
| Program | What it is for | Platforms | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| flashrom | Command-line reader / writer for SPI flash with CH341A, FT2232 and many other programmers. | Linux, macOS, Windows | Free, open source |
| UEFITool | Opens a firmware image as a tree: verify structure, extract or replace regions and modules. | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free, open source |
| ME Analyzer | Identifies the Intel ME / CSME firmware version and state inside a dump. | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free, open source |
| HxD | Hex editor for comparing dumps and moving DMI / serial data. | Windows | Free |
Archives & documents
Everyday tools for the wrappers the files come in.
| Program | What it is for | Platforms | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Zip | Unpacks .rar, .zip and .7z archives. | Windows | Free, open source |
| SumatraPDF | Very fast PDF reader that stays responsive on 100-page vector schematics. | Windows | Free, open source |
Not sure which viewer a file needs? Check the format reference or the boardview guide.