I’ve noticed the trace net names are usually on the trace but not always. I know on some traces one must zoom if for the net names to appear. However I have a current project where there seems to be no obvious distinction between those that do and those that don’t (have net names on traces).
Is this a bug or am I missing something?
I found the length of the trace “segment” determines if there is enough room to display the net name. When looking at the traces in the outline form I could see areas where the trace is made up of multiple segments (even though it is a straight line).
It’s the C++ code which determines it But seriously, you could report this as a bug. I guess it bothers some other people, too, when they don’t see the net names where they should be.
You can also make traces transparent by adjusting their opacity. This makes overlapping parts of track segments darker and you can see if a part is made up of several segments.
As Seth_h wrote, “Cleanup Tracks and Vias” help redusing the segment count.
Segment count of a track is often caused by the push and shove router, which works off-grid. Small Segments are often merged if you put both parts on the grid.
Pads seem to always have the net name on them and for tracks without a net name you can often follow them to the nearest pad. I’m not sure if putting net names on every segment would be a plus. There already is an overwhelming amount of information on the monitor and it would add a lot of extra clutter. Especially on multi layer boards.
If you select a track segment you can see in the status area (text at botttom of window) to what net it belongs, and use “u” or “i” shortcut keys to select & highlight more of a copper track.
But seriously, you could report this as a bug. I guess it bothers some other people, too, when they don’t see the net names where they should be.