KiCad

Summary

Kicad is an open source (GPL) software for the creation of electronic schematic diagrams and printed circuit board artwork.

Operating Systems

  • Windows
  • Linux

Project Manager

EESchema

Choosing componentsChoosing components Finished SchematicsFinished Schematics

Library

  • Fairly extensive library
  • There exists Scripts for Eagle that will convert Eagle libraries to KiCad!

Component Editor (Libedit)

Making my own componentMaking my own component
  • Works decently
  • Annoying that it is not easier to use an existing object as base for my own component

Nice things

  • Auto Annotation (update references)

Weird things

  • When moving objects, wires does not follow automatically. To make lines follow automatically, one has to either Ctrl-Drag or rightclick and choose Drag instead of Move.
  • Ctrl-Z does not work for undo in the Component Editor (but clicking the Undo button does)
  • Is it possible to move pin number in the Component Editor?

PCBnew

Screenshot

  • No undo function
  • Interface takes awhile getting used to (G for drag, R for rotate, BEFORE you select)
  • I had a hard time trying to layout as stripboard
  • Havent figured out how to move a track between layers

CVpcb

Screenshot