Reference Tools
Datasheet Viewer
ProtoFlow includes a built-in datasheet viewer that lets you search, view, and manage component datasheets without leaving the editor. Access datasheets directly from components or via AI-powered search.
# Searching for Datasheets
Find datasheets for any component using multiple search sources.
Search Methods
- Component context menu: Right-click a component and select "View Datasheet" to search for its datasheet automatically
- Datasheet panel: Open the Datasheet panel from the activity bar and search by part number or description
- AI search: Ask the AI Copilot to "find the datasheet for ATmega328P" and it will search multiple sources
- LCSC links: Components imported from LCSC include direct datasheet links
Search Sources
ProtoFlow aggregates datasheets from multiple online sources to maximize coverage. Search results are ranked by relevance and quality.
Datasheet search results showing multiple sources for a component
# Viewing Datasheets
The built-in PDF viewer displays datasheets directly within ProtoFlow, no need to switch to an external application.
Viewer Features
- PDF rendering: Full-quality PDF rendering with zoom support
- Zoom controls: Zoom in and out to read fine print or see full-page overviews
- Scroll position persistence: Your scroll position is saved when switching between datasheets
- Tabbed management: Open multiple datasheets in tabs and switch between them
- Direct URL opening: Paste any datasheet URL to open it in the viewer
Built-in PDF viewer showing a component datasheet with zoom controls
# Managing Datasheets
Keep your frequently used datasheets organized and accessible.
Features
- Tab management: Open multiple datasheets as tabs for quick switching
- Component linking: Datasheets are automatically linked to the components they belong to
- AI context: The AI Copilot can reference open datasheets when answering questions about component specifications
Next Steps
- → Search components in the LCSC Component Library
- → Use the AI Copilot for component selection help
Try it yourself: download ProtoFlow free
Everything in these docs is free to use on macOS, Windows, and Linux: AI schematic generation, real parts from LCSC/DigiKey/Mouser, DRC/ERC, and KiCad export.
Get for Mac