To convert a schematic to a PCB layout in KiCad, you need to export a netlist from the schematic editor and then import it into the PCB editor. You can also update the PCB from the schematic directly.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Export Netlist: In the schematic editor, click the "Tools" menu, then select "Generate Netlist." Choose your desired format (usually KiCad's default is fine) and save the netlist file.
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Import Netlist: Open the PCB editor. Click "Tools," then "Update PCB from Schematic..." This opens the "Update PCB from Schematic" dialog.
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Update PCB: In the "Update PCB from Schematic" dialog, click "Update PCB." KiCad will then add the footprints defined in your schematic to the PCB editor, connected by airwires representing the nets from your schematic.
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Placement and Routing: Once the footprints are imported, you can then place the components where you desire on the PCB and route the connections using the routing tools in KiCad.
Alternatively, some shortcuts exist. These shortcuts would allow updating the PCB directly, streamlining the process from schematic capture to PCB design. However, the provided references offer limited information about specific alternative pathways within KiCad for this process.
