KLayout implements this via . Every layer in the Layer Control panel can be assigned a specific Z-offset (height) and thickness. The engine then renders these layers as solid blocks, allowing the user to rotate the view and inspect stacking.
: It allows designers to see "through" the stack to identify areas where multi-layer wiring might be overly dense or inefficient.
This guide covers everything you need to know to configure, optimize, and master the KLayout 25D View to bridge the gap between 2D IC layouts and 3D manufacturing realities. What is KLayout 25D View?
| Issue | Most Likely Cause | Possible Solution | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | No "2.5d View" option in Tools menu | KLayout was compiled without OpenGL support. | Install the official pre-built binary from klayout.org. | | Graphics errors or performance warnings | Outdated or unsupported graphics drivers. | Update your graphics card drivers. | | The 2.5D view is extremely slow or crashes. | The scene contains far more than 100k polygons. | Select a smaller area or a single cell to view. | | The script runs, but no 3D model appears. | The 2D window has no layout loaded. | Ensure a layout is open and visible in the main window. |
If your polygons just look like flat colored pancakes even in perspective mode, check the thickness. Without sidewalls, an extruded polygon is invisible when viewed from the side. Set "Sidewall width" to at least 1 pixel.
The 2.5D view is not a simple button toggle; it requires a that tells KLayout how to build the Z-stack. This script defines which layers are extruded, and to what height. Here’s how to get started:
True 3D is blocked by opaque objects. To see lower layers through upper ones, use .
For many specialized processes (like Sky130), a technology file must be properly loaded to define layer thicknesses and types.