For extremely large layouts (>10 GB GDSII), create a quick 25D view by first using Hierarchy > Flatten on selected cells, then reduce detail with Edit > Selection > Convert to polygons with a tolerance of 0.01 µm.
The script uses a syntax similar to Design Rule Check (DRC). :
: Once run, the 2.5D window will pop up. If closed, re-open it via Open Window Visibility Follows Selection klayout 25d view
: Ensure your database units are set correctly in the initial layout setup, as this affects the scale of objects. Layer Properties : You can adjust layer textures and colors in the Layer Toolbox
Launch KLayout and load your target GDSII, OASIS, or CIF file. Ensure your layer palette is visible on the right-hand panel. Step 2: Access the 2.5D View Tool For extremely large layouts (>10 GB GDSII), create
While many tools are moving toward full 3D extraction and visualization, the KLayout 2.5D approach offers a superior balance of speed and functionality for daily layout work.
It is much easier to see if a via is "floating" or if a metal layer is missing its underlying insulation in a 2.5D space than by looking at overlapping flat colors. If closed, re-open it via Open Window Visibility
Here are the default navigation controls, as documented for version 0.27 (the core actions remain unchanged in modern versions):