How to Create a Schematic Library in Altium?

Creating a schematic library in Altium Designer involves opening a new library file, defining your components, and drawing their symbols.

To create a new schematic library in Altium Designer, you start by opening a new schematic library file within the software. This opens a dedicated editor where you can design and manage the symbols for your electronic components.

Getting Started with a New Schematic Library

The fundamental step to creating a schematic library in Altium Designer is straightforward:

• Select File > New > Library > Schematic Library from the main menus to create a new local schematic library.

Once you perform this action, the symbol editor will open in your design space. This editor is where you will draw the graphical representation of your components. It's crucial to have the necessary panels visible to manage the library and component properties effectively. Ensure you Open the Properties and SCH Library panels if they are not already visible, as these panels are essential for defining the characteristics of your symbols and components.

Within the symbol editor, the initial focus is to define the identity of the component you are about to create. We need to define a name for the symbol and component.

Steps to Define and Draw a Schematic Symbol

After creating the new library file and opening the symbol editor, you can proceed with adding components and drawing their symbols. Here's a breakdown of the typical workflow:

1. Define Component Name: In the SCH Library panel (or sometimes the Properties panel when no primitive is selected), define the name for the new component you are creating. This name will be used when placing the component on a schematic sheet.
2. Draw the Symbol Body: Use the drawing tools available in the symbol editor (like lines, rectangles, circles) to create the graphical representation of your component. This is the main shape you see on the schematic.
   • Tools are typically found under the Place menu or a dedicated drawing toolbar.
   • Common shapes include rectangles for ICs or passive components.
3. Add Pins: Pins are connection points on the symbol that link to the physical pins of the component.
   • Use the Place > Pin command to add pins.
   • For each pin, you need to define properties like:
     • Designator: The pin number (e.g., 1, 2, A1).
     • Name: The function of the pin (e.g., VCC, GND, DATA).
     • Electrical Type: (e.g., Input, Output, Power, Passive).
     • Orientation: How the pin connects to the symbol body.
   • Place pins around the symbol body appropriately.
4. Add Text and Properties: Include text like the component's Designator (e.g., U?, R?) and Comment (e.g., LM741, 10k) placeholders. These will be populated when the component is placed and annotated on a schematic. You can also add custom parameters (like Part Number, Value, Manufacturer) in the Properties panel.
5. Save the Library: Periodically save your schematic library file (.SchLib) to prevent losing your work. File > Save.

Managing Components in the Library

The SCH Library panel is your primary interface for managing multiple components within a single schematic library file.

• It lists all the components currently defined in the library.
• You can add new components, copy existing ones, or delete components from this panel.

By following these steps, you can effectively create and populate your own schematic libraries in Altium Designer, building a collection of reusable component symbols for your designs.