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How do I edit a PCB in KiCad?

Published in KiCad PCB Editing 3 mins read

Editing a PCB in KiCad involves manipulating components, traces, and other elements within the PCB editor. Here's a breakdown of common editing operations and how to perform them:

Opening the PCB Editor

  1. Open your KiCad project.
  2. Launch the PCB editor (pcbnew). This is usually done by clicking the "PCB Editor" icon from the KiCad project manager.

Basic Editing Operations

KiCad provides a variety of tools and shortcuts for editing your PCB. Here are some key operations:

  • Selecting Items: Click on the item (component, trace, text, etc.) you want to select.
  • Moving Items:
    • Select the item.
    • Press m to activate the move tool.
    • Click to place the item in its new location.
  • Rotating Items:
    • Select the item.
    • Press r to rotate the item. You can also specify the rotation angle in the properties panel.
  • Deleting Items:
    • Select the item.
    • Press the Delete key.
  • Routing Tracks:
    • Press x to start routing a new track.
    • Click to place track segments.
    • Press v to add a via to switch layers during routing.
    • Double-click to end the track.
  • Adding Components:
    • Click the "Add Footprint" icon.
    • Select the desired footprint from the library.
    • Click to place the component on the board.
  • Changing Layers:
    • Use + to switch to the next layer.
    • Use - to switch to the previous layer.

Working with Copper Pours (Ground Planes)

  • Update Ground Polygons: After making changes, press b to recalculate and refill the ground plane (copper pour). This is essential to maintain proper grounding and clearance.

Grid Settings

  • Changing Grid Size: Press n to cycle through available grid sizes. Be cautious when changing the grid, as it can affect the precision of your component placement and routing. Use a grid size appropriate for your design's complexity. Finer grids allow for more precise placement but can make the layout process more tedious.

Customizing Editing Preferences

KiCad allows you to customize various editing preferences to suit your workflow:

  • Board Setup: Access Board Setup (File -> Board Setup) to configure design rules, layers, text sizes, and other settings.
  • Preferences: Explore KiCad's preferences (Preferences -> Preferences) to customize hotkeys, display options, and more.

Important Considerations

  • Design Rule Checker (DRC): Regularly run the DRC (Inspect -> Design Rule Checker) to identify and correct design rule violations, such as overlapping traces or insufficient clearance.
  • Backup Regularly: Save your work frequently to avoid losing progress due to unexpected issues.
  • Use the KiCad Documentation: KiCad's official documentation is an excellent resource for detailed information and tutorials.
  • Practice: Editing a PCB effectively requires practice. Start with simple projects and gradually increase complexity as you become more comfortable with the tools.

Editing a PCB in KiCad involves understanding the available tools, keyboard shortcuts, and design rules. By mastering these elements, you can efficiently create and modify your PCB designs.

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