Edit kiCad component

[last updated: 2021-06-14]
go to: kiCAD home page
go to: edit a schematic
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• Get component to Edit:
  • open eeschema
  • Tools > Edit Schematic Symbols (or icon...)
    -or- Tools > Symbol Library Editor

  • scroll through library list in left sidebar
    double-click on a library (jaysComponents)
    double-click on the symbol you want to edit.
    It will be displayed.

• Edit the border:
  position cursor over the border and right-click
  click Drag Rectangle Edge to re-size

• Add text labels:
  Click the "T" in the right-hand sidebar
  Click approx where you want the text
  Enter text desired; adjust text size if desired.
  click OK, drag to final location, left-click to anchor.

• Delete a text label:
  position cursor over text
  right-click, click delete

• Add pins:
  Click pin icon (top icon in right sidebar)
  Click in approx desired location.
  Enter desired configuration:
  name, number,
  type, style,
  orientation, etc.

  Click OK
  Drag to final location, left-click to anchor

• Set body color of a component:
  • in schematic editor
    Preferences -> Preferences -> Colors
    under Component, click box for Body outline or Body background
    enter desired color

  • if color change does not occur,
    • position cursor over edge of component rectangle
    • right click; select Properties -> Edit with Library Editor
    • in Symbol Editor, position cursor over edge, right-click -> Edit rectangle options
    • enter desired "Fill Style"

• Move anything:
  Position cursor over object to be moved
  Right-click
  Drag to new location
  Left-click to anchor

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• When done:
  File -> Save
  - or -
  File -> Save-As
  enter desired name,
  browse to desired library
  click Save
  close library editor window (x in upper right corner
  prompt to save library edits, click Save

  File -> Quit
  "Save changes...?"
  Click Save

• Updating existing schematic drawing:
  I don't understand all the factors that are involved.
  I do know that, at least sometimes, if you edit a component
  that you've previously used in a schematic,
  then the newly edited version will be inserted into your schematic
  in place of the original version.