# KiCad https://www.kicad.org/ Brand new device? 1. make a schematic 2. assign footprints (middle pane is the mapping. Find the library in the left pane, then find the device in the right pane) 3. design the pcb How do I make schematic/footprint pairings for different sizes of header? I'd love to be able to put down like a "nice!nano footprint" with net names and stuff already built in (without searching for, downloading, and importing someone else's library) How do I match up a Digikey SMT part with its counterpart schematic/footprint in KiCad? Like for instance [this particular ZIF connector](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/cvilux-usa/CF4220FH0R0-05-NH/15793107)? ## TODO? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn6004q9oeqGl91KifK6xHGuqvXGb374G https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn6004q9oeqEwmWBugy04WfmDpkLn4PIn https://oshpark.com/#support https://docs.oshpark.com/ https://smayze.com/2024/05/22/avoiding-mechanical-parts-from-disappearing-in-kicad/ https://hackaday.com/2024/07/17/hacker-tactic-single-pcb-panels/ ## Schematic Editor - symbols for header are searchable with "conn" or `AxB` where A and B are numbers. Note: if B is less than 10, left-pad it with `0`. - Something called "RandomNerdTutorials" can be a good source of information for pinouts. - with a text object selected `R` will rotate it 90°. - the "Add Power" tool helps with power/ground net labelling - there is another tool for marking a pin as "intentionally not connected" - run the Electrical Rules Checker (ERC) - `Tools > Annotate Schematic...` ## Assign Footprints - headers are in the "Connector_PinHeader..." libraries (2.54mm is 0.1in) - screw-terminals are in the "TerminalBlock_RND" library ## PCB Editor - `Tools > Update PCB from Schematic...` - `View > 3D Viewer` - manufacturers encourage you to stay inside 100mm x 100mm - Install the Freerouting plugin, then use it! - add filled zones, connected to GND so they don't act as antennae - don't put filled zones near actual antennae - run the Design Rules Checker (DRC) ## Design your own footprints