In a 6-layer metal process, verifying that a signal path from Metal 1 to Metal 4 uses the correct sequence of vias is tedious in 2D. The 2.5D view makes it visually obvious if a via is missing or misaligned, as the vertical pillar connecting two plates will appear broken.
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?
While powerful, the 2.5D view has limitations designed to maintain performance.
I can help clarify how to set up the Layer Palette and Tech Files for your project. chip-tutorials/klayout-lvs.md at main - GitHub klayout 25d view
Alternatively, some distributions integrate it directly into the menu or provide a 2.5D toolbar icon. Step 3: Configure the Layer Stack
rather than a true 3D modeler. It uses a script (a variant of a DRC script) to import polygon layers, extrude them, and place them on specific Z-levels. Requirements : To use this view, KLayout must be compiled with OpenGL support Performance : It typically handles up to 100k polygons effectively before performance limitations occur. Integration : Users can export structures from KLayout to tools like 3D-FDTD for component simulation
Once rendered, KLayout opens a separate display window containing the pseudo-3D representation of your layout. You can interact with the model using the following controls: In a 6-layer metal process, verifying that a
Navigating the Third Dimension: A Complete Guide to the KLayout 25D View
Rotate the view around the X, Y, and Z axes. Scroll Wheel: Zoom in and out of specific regions.
KLayout’s 2.5D (often written “25D”) view is a visualization mode that augments planar GDS/OASIS layout layers with a height dimension—letting users inspect and present topography, stackups, and thickness-aware geometries without needing a full 3D CAD tool. It’s especially useful for photonics, MEMS, semiconductor process visualization, and PCB/packaging cross-sections where layer thicknesses or etch depths matter. What is the KLayout 2
Visual properties to differentiate materials like Silicon, Silicon Dioxide, Aluminium, or Copper.
The KLayout 2.5D view transforms flat layout masks into intuitive, tangible structures. By taking the time to map your process heights into KLayout, you create a powerful sandboxed environment to audit complex interconnects, verify MEMS geometries, and confidently inspect silicon photonic designs prior to tape-out.