Open Pcb File Kicad

Open

A full Getting Started guide is included in the KiCad documentation, in multiple languages. This covers the process of creating and completing a simple project. We recommend that all new users read this first, in order to learn the basics. Quick KiCad Summary This is a quick summary of how KiCad functions. More details can be found in the full documentation. Libraries KiCad uses two separate. Create a new project. If the default template file (kicad.kicadpro) is found in kicad/template, it is copied into the working directory. Create a new project from an existing template. Open an existing project. Create a zip archive of the whole project. This includes schematic files, libraries, PCB, etc. Extract a project zip archive into a. KiCad Import and Export Methods: KiCad is a free, easy to download software that is used for electronic design automation (EDA) and computer-aided design (CAD). While using this program, PCB design schematics can be realized from their electrical circuits. Within, there are tools t.

Generate Drill and Gerber Files

.kicadpcb - KiCad PCB Design Document. The KICADPCB document files are related to KiCad. KICADPCB file is a KiCad PCB Design Document. KiCad is an EDA software suite for the creation of professional schematics and printed circuit boards up to 16 layers. KiCad runs on Windows, Linux and Apple OS X and is released under the open-source GNU GPL.

Select File -> Plot from the menu to open the gerber generation tool.

File

In general, there are 8x layers you need to have a PCB fabricated:

  • Top Copper (F.Cu)+ Soldermask (F.Mask) + Silkscreen (F.SilkS)
  • Bottom Copper (B.Cu) + Soldermask (B.Mask) + Silkscreen (B.SilkS)
  • Board outline (Edge.Cuts)
  • Drill file

Kicad Pcb Software

In the Plot window with the Plot format set for Gerber, be sure these Layers are checked:

Kicad File Types

If you don't know which layers, please check all layers, JLCPCB will help you to use the right layers. Click ‘Plot’ to generate the gerber files for the layers.

Kicad

Don't forget to Generate the Drill Files. Click on ‘Generate Drill File’ button. You can use the defaults here as well. Check the 'Merge PTH and NPTH holes into one file' box. For now just click ‘Drill File’ or press ‘enter’ to generate the drill file. Use the same output folder as for the gerbers, which should be the default.

Check the Gerber files in GerbView

Kicad Schematic To Pcb

Next, click ‘Close’to exit the Drill and Plot windows. All of the files should have appeared in your gerbers folder. KiCAD comes with a gerber viewer called GerbView, you can open the “GerbView” and check what your board looks like before sending it to manufacturer.

Kicad Pcb Tutorial

For more details, please see this video tutorial of generating Gerber files for manufacturing in KiCad.
For Kicad 5.1.5, please check this tutorial.
If everything looks OK, select all of the files, zip them up, and upload the zip file to JLCPCB order page.

Kicad Pcb Design Tutorial Pdf

  • .pro: project file. Holds parameters that apply to the entire project (schematic and PCB layout).

  • .sch: legacy schematic file.

  • .kicad_sch: the new schematic layout file.

  • .lib: schematic symbols library file.

    • -cache.lib: …​ a local copy of all the symbols used in the corresponding schematic, so that when the folder containing a KiCad project is copied to a different PC, the schematic can still be opened and printed and will still look the same as the original draughtsperson intended - even if that other PC does not have those symbols in its main libraries (or has symbols that coincidentally have the same name but are completely different).

    • -rescue.lib: …​ copies of conflicting/missing schematic symbols.

  • .mod: legacy footprint module file (Obsolete, can only be read).

  • .pretty: footprint library folders. The folder itself is the library.

  • .kicad_mod: footprint files, containing one footprint description each.

  • .000: * temporary file.

  • .bak: backup of schematic file.

  • .brd: legacy PCB layout file.

  • .kicad_pcb: the new PCB layout file.

    • -save.kicad_pcb: …​ backup of the PCB Layout file.

  • .cmp: deprecated parts-to-module assignments file. Footprint informations are now saved in the .sch files.

  • .csv: commonly used when exporting BOM file.

  • .dcm: holds descriptions, aliases and keywords for library symbols.

  • .bck: backup file for the symbol editor of the .dcm file.

  • .net: *: netlist in 'Pcbnew'; format …​ can be regenerated by viewing the schematic file and clicking the 'Netlist generation' button.

  • fp-info-cache: *: Footprint info cache: cache of information (description, datasheet URL, etc.) for all footprints used by the board.

  • fp-lib-table: Footprint library list (footprint libraries table): list of footprint libraries (various formats) which are loaded by the board or the footprint editor or CvPcb.

  • sym-lib-table: Symbol library list (symbol libraries table): list of symbol libraries which are loaded by the schematic editor.

  • drc-rules: S-expression file containing design rule checking constraints. Introduced in v6.

  • .kicad_wks: The page layout description files, for people who want a worksheet with a custom look.

  • .rpt: report file, for documentation.

  • .gbr: Gerber output files for manufacturing.

  • .drl: Gerber drill file for manufacturing.

  • .pos: position files (ASCII format), for automatic insertion machines.

  • .wrl: VRML 3D model used in the 3D viewer to represent parts.

  • .step or .stp: STEP 3D model used for integration with MCAD software packages. KiCad supports STEP file integration and can export board and component models into an integrated STEP file.