KiCad Logo

Creating KiCad Libraries

When creating projects in KiCad it is often necessary to create symbols and footprints that are not a part of the KiCad standard library. Prerequisites Basic Circuit Theory Baseline understanding of KiCad UI/Workflow Creating Symbol Libraries Creating symbol libraries is done from the Symbol Editor, which can be navigated into from the Schematic Editor or the KiCad project main page. From the Schematic Editor: navigate to Tools -> Symbol Editor...

July 12, 2024 · 15 min · Orion Serup
Crab Labs NFC PCB Business Card

Designing your Own NFC Business Cards

An NFC PCB business card can be a fun and unique way to promote yourself or your business. Crab Labs designed and built these NFC PCB Business cards, the source files are here I will show you how to design and build one using KiCad and JLCPCB Prerequisites Understanding of basic circuit theory and electronics (video here) Working knowledge of KiCad (Tutorial here) Primer on NFC (Near Field Communication) Near Field Communication is a standardized series of protocols which define communication between two devices utilizing a 13....

July 12, 2024 · 25 min · Orion Serup
KiCad Logo

Importing External Part Libraries into KiCad

If a component is not available in the KiCad standard library it can either be created from scratch using the symbol and footprint editor or imported from an external source. Many times manufacturers or distributors will provide libraries for their components and make them available online, this guide will show how to find and utilize these libraries in your projects. Finding External Part Libraries The largest and most centralized repository for finding components and their libraries is Octopart...

July 12, 2024 · 4 min · Orion Serup