I'd like to try out printed circuit board design, with the eventual aim of creating layouts for relatively simple microcontroller and FPGA-based projects (i.e. mostly digital, few RF or other high-frequency considerations).
However, I'm sort of at a loss as to where to start learning. I know in principle the idea is to draw traces in a CAD program to replicate a schematic. There is a lot more than that, though - ways to lay out traces to avoid interference, ensure that power traces are thick enough to meet the needs of their components, etc.
Are there any good textbooks on the topic, or websites, online resources, etc? Also, what CAD software and board making services have people used that would be appropriate for a hobbyist?
If so, then start simple: low/medium speed (below 20MHz or so)digital layout doesn't really need much in the way of skill. Find a simple project you want to do, e.g., an Arduino shield, get a free/hobbyist copy of Eagle CAD (http://www.cadsoftusa.com/download-eagle/freeware/?language=...) and play with it.
There are books that deal with this, but they are written at a professional level for people who do it every day. You just need a few rules to thumb to start. Adafruit has a bunch of tutorials. Really old, but it's a start: http://www.ladyada.net/library/pcb/tutorials.html
I find that a quick trip "through the stack" is often a good way to learn. So find a simple circuit, like an LED chaser, design a PC board for it and have it made by someone like OshPark (super cheap, high quality boards. I recommend them) and then assemble it. That will give you enough practice to know if you like doing the process and you have a cool toy at the end.