PCB design - Routing without a schematic

Question

I am using Altium CircuitMaker to design a PCB. I'm wondering if there's a way to make my PCB design without a schematic.

My idea is to simply make a PCB with just pads and populate it myself with the required components. For instance, right now I have set up some pads in the PCB for me to insert header pins into and solder and then I am planning to attach the PCB onto an Arduino Mega (as shown in the image.)

When I try to do some routing, it doesn't allow me to route pads. I did some research and I believe this is because I'm not using a schematic so I have no assigned nets. I'm guessing you cannot route without pre-assigning nets in your schematic. Is there a way around this or do I have to use actual components such as header connectors in the schematic, then assign nets and route?

Answer 1

As discussed in the comments, the correct way is to create the schematic for it.

If, for any reason, you want to do it in the PCB, you can do it by setting the net names. First, you need to create the net. From the Design option, select the following:

Design->Netlist->Edit Nets

Then select "Add". From the window, set the net name you want. I've used "Net1" for example. Press OK to create the net.

Add as many separate nets as you need.

Now, you have a net to assign to pads. Select the pad and open the properties window for it (or simply double-click on the pad to open the properties). In this window, there is a "Net Name" field. For example, in the following image, the net name is set to "Net1".

Then repeat this process for the other pad that you want to be connected to this pad. By setting the same net names for pads, Altium will connect them together. Then you can use the routing tool to draw the track.