To edit a part (component) in Altium, follow these steps:
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Locate the Component: Open the "Components" panel within Altium.
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Initiate Edit: Right-click on the specific component you want to modify (e.g., ERJ-1GE150C) within the Components panel.
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Select "Edit": From the context menu that appears, choose "Edit". This action might then present a further drop-down where you need to choose an appropriate option, such as "Select Model". This could potentially lead you to the Library Component's editing interface.
Explanation and Considerations:
The exact options you see when you right-click and select "Edit" can depend on the following:
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Where the component originates from: Is it a local library component, a component linked to a managed content server (Altium 365), or a component placed directly on the schematic without a library link? The location affects how you edit it.
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What aspect of the component you want to edit: Do you want to change the schematic symbol, the PCB footprint, the component parameters (e.g., value, tolerance), or the component's supply chain information?
Detailed Steps (Likely Scenarios):
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Editing a Library Component (Symbol/Footprint/Parameters): This involves directly modifying the library where the component is stored.
- After right-clicking and selecting "Edit" (or its equivalent to navigate to the model), the library component editor will open.
- Here, you can modify the schematic symbol, PCB footprint, and parameters associated with the component.
- Save the library after making your changes. These changes will then propagate to any project that uses that library.
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Editing Component Parameters Directly on the Schematic:
- Double-click on the component on your schematic.
- This opens the "Properties" panel for that specific instance of the component.
- You can directly modify the parameters (value, description, etc.) for that particular component instance in your schematic. These changes will not affect the library.
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Editing Component Footprint Directly on the PCB:
- Select the component on the PCB Layout.
- In the properties panel locate the footprint.
- Select the "Edit" button next to the footprint name to open the PCB library component editor and edit it.
Important Notes:
- Be aware of the scope of your edits. Editing a library component affects all projects that use it. Editing a component directly on the schematic only affects that instance.
- If using managed components (Altium 365), you might need appropriate permissions to edit them.
- Always back up your libraries before making significant changes.
