Generating a template-driven schematic from a netlist of electronic circuits is disclosed. The template-driven schematic may be useful to generate a set of related circuits for a single overall design as well as allow for a common transfer mechanism between different Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems. To assist in portability of designs, a common file format is disclosed based on a structured text file (e.g., XML). Further, in the disclosed approach, it is possible to not only place primitives but create custom symbols as well. In addition, primitives and symbols may be attached to models, simulation settings may be added, and routing of the circuit in a schematic may be completed. Associated devices and methods are disclosed as well.