Notes for KiCAD

GERBER FILES

• Can compare different Gerbers online at Altium
• Try comparing split out new Control Board, vs old Control Board

ADDING PROJECT SYMBOLS

• New project
• In KiCad menu window, Symbol Editor
  • File -> New Library
    • Project level
    • Add _project_parts folder
    • Name _project
  • Copy all symbols used in project from global library to local project library. Ensures any changes in the global library do not affect the project. Rather than add R / C / RV / etc, I just added new items like Arduino_Pro_Mini, etc
    • Devices section has all common items
    • Right-click, Copy
    • Go to project library _project
    • Right-click, Paste
• To change symbol
  • Go to item on schematic, double-click
  • Select Change Symbol… and select new library identifier as above, e.g. _project:aruino_pro_mini, etc

FOOTPRINTS

• Create folder ../_project_parts/footprints.pretty
• In main KiCad, Preferences, select Manage Footprint Libraries
  • Add new footprints folder above
• Best to use relative folder paths in projects

3D MODELS

• To assign a 3D model to a footprint permanently, use FootPrint Editor
  • Double click footprint in Editor
  • Add 3D model via third tab as normal, and Save
  • When add new footprint the 3D model will automatically be associated
  • If existing footprint, double click on footprint and Update from library