PROTOFLOW/Docs

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.

[ Screenshot ]

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
[ Screenshot ]

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