Hello all.
I am not a professional or even an electronic student. I am 50+ and work as a computer operator. Currently I do not have any job (should I say thanks to Corona Virus) and so I have spent some time doing hobby electronics I find on YouTube.
I am doing a PCB for the first time - my only experience - I tried etching one from the PCB layout I found on another site (about using ATMEGA328P as a standalone) and it was successful. That inspired me to try out different things.
Now, I cannot do those double-sided PCBs (as I am not any professional or expert). I did a schematic for the RGB Cube 4x4x4 Matrix and it was all good after I followed instructions at https://aglick.com/charliecube.html
The only problem I found that there were too many wires. So I tried doing a PCB. And this is where I am stuck. When I used EasyEda (desktop version) it generated a two layer PCB. And sadly, if I try etching it, I am certain, I will fail (not to mention that these 2-sided copper plated boards are expensive for a jobless person). So though I wanted to risk, my situation does not permit. So I am trying it out with a single layer.
Above is a screenshot of my current PCB (though not complete). Please have a look at those red boxes. What I want to accomplish is - I would add some thin wire on those positions to complete the wiring. I also saw on a YouTube video that I can use the cut-wires from earlier use of resistors.
As of now, I have used Via for those ends. But I am not sure if they are the right tool to use. There is also something called Pads which seem to be of a larger dimension - can make it easy for my 1mm hand drill bit.
What are the differences between the two and what would be a better solution. I know (after reading) technically, neither is required, and I can just place a 1pin jumper at those ends - as I will be soldering wires.
Brand new interactions and interfaces. 
Easy to use and quick to get started. 
Don't use vias for links. Use pads.
Better still just put down a footprint for any old leaded resistor or 2 pin header and in either case just not fit them and then use you wire end off-cuts to make the links.
This might help explain the difference:
https://easyeda.com/andyfierman/Elements_of_a_simple_PCB-e42c7b2a4e17449f821a97d04806aeeb
I don't know from your post if you are creating the pcb from a schematic or directly into the PCB Editor. We recommend always starting by creating a properly constructed schematic because in the long run it saves a lot of work and grief compared to working directly in the PCB Editor.
If you really don't want to do it that way then please read these topics:
https://easyeda.com/forum/topic/How_does_the_Connect_Pad_to_Pad_tool_work_-JgQO0Ay7H
https://easyeda.com/forum/topic/Understanding-Ratlines-371bdbf646c54b23a57451eb05b2026d
I'd also recommend you read (2.2), (4) and (6) (especially if you do direct to PCB design!) in (2) in:
https://easyeda.com/forum/topic/How-to-ask-for-help-and-get-an-answer-71b17a40d15442349eaecbfae083e46a
As far as the cost of PCBs goes, have you tried getting a quote for one by passing a PCB from EasyEDA into the JLCPCB quote and order process? You may be pleasantly surprised.
Given the excellent quality of their PCBs you may be able to work out a way of recouping the cost of the boards by selling some of them as kits.
Questions? Just ask!
:)