Altium Designer version 6.8 from 2007 was the first to offer 3D visualization and clearance checking of PCBs directly within the PCB editor. Protel DXP was issued in 2003, Protel 2004 in 2004, Altium Designer 6.0 in 2005. Protel 99 in 1999 introduced the first integrated 3D visualization of the PCB assembly. In 1998, Protel 98 consolidated all components, including Advanced Schematic and Advanced PCB, into a single environment. In 1991, Protel released Advanced Schematic and Advanced PCB 1.0 for Windows (1991–1993), followed by Advanced Schematic/PCB 2.x (1993–1995) and 3.x (1995–1998). In 1987, Protel launched the circuit diagram editor Protel Schematic for DOS.

The product became available in the United States, Canada, and Mexico beginning in 1986, marketed by San Diego-based ACCEL Technologies, Inc. Protel PCB was marketed internationally by HST Technology since 1986. Originally it was sold only in Australia. It has roots back to 1985 when the company launched the DOS-based PCB design tool known as Protel PCB (which later emerged into Autotrax and Easytrax). Altium Designer was originally launched in 2005 by Altium, known at the time as Protel Systems Pty Ltd.

What is altium designer