Create KiCad component

[last updated: 2021-07-01]
go to: kiCAD home page
go to: edit a Schematic
-----

• Open Symbol Editor:
  from Project page: Tools -> Edit Schematic Symbols
  -or- from Project page: click op amp icon in top menu bar for Symbol Editor
  -or- from Eeschema: Tools -> Symbol Library Editor

  Symbol Editor window opens

• Create a new symbol: (left-most op amp symbol in top icon bar)
• "Select Symbol Library" box opens
  select a library from the list - where you want the new symbol to be saved (jaysComponents).
  click OK
• Symbol Properties box opens
  fill out symbol name and other fields as desired.
  click OK
• Edit symbol:
  • Field value and field reference labels will appear on top of each other in center of editor.
    Position cursor over a piece of text and right-click.
    Clarify selection if necessary with left-click in list offered.
    Left-click to select “Move”.
    Move cursor to drag selected text to new arbitrary position away from center.
    Left-click to anchor.

• Add border:
  “add graphic rectangle to component body” (square icon in right icon bar)
• click to locate one corner
• drag cursor and double-click to define closing corner
• "Rectangle Drawing Properties box opens
select Fill background if desired.
leave line width at default 0
click OK
• Add pins:
  • click pin icon (2nd from top in right-side menu bar)
  • click anywhere
  • "Pin Properties" box opens
  fill out pin name and orientation, and any other fields desired,
  Click OK
  • Move cursor to drag pin to desired location.
    Circle/bubble at end of pin should be positioned outside the component rectangle.
    Left-click to anchor.

• Edit/Refine the component:
  • Edit any element of the component symbol by positioning cursor over it, and right-click.
  • Click Move or Rotate, if desired.
  • Click Edit to change eg. pin name or number or orientation or any of several other parameters.

  ----------------------------------------------------

• When done:
  • File -> Save

.

.

.

eof