When designing a new circuit, it’s common to encounter components with non-standard footprints. In such cases, the default KiCad core library may not be sufficient, and you may need to search for the required footprint on external platforms. However, downloading footprints from lesser-known websites is generally not recommended due to potential mismatches with the actual component. Always verify that the dimensions of the downloaded footprint align with those specified in the manufacturer’s documentation. An incorrect footprint size can significantly affect the integrity of your PCB, so be meticulous when downloading or designing footprints.

Step 1

Start by opening a new project in KiCad and navigating to the “Symbol Editor” as shown in the screenshots below. Why should we create a new symbol before the footprint? While it’s not mandatory, creating a symbol is a best practice, as it is typically associated with each footprint. There are exceptions, but if you feel the symbol is unnecessary, you can proceed directly to the next steps.

Step 2

Once the editor is open, click on “Create New Symbol”, select the library where you wish to save the symbol, and then click OK, as shown below.

Step 3

After creating the new symbol, a window will appear where you can enter the symbol’s properties, as shown in the screenshot below.

Step 4

Now, you can begin drawing the component symbol for your project. Use the tools available on the right to assist you in the process. Below, I’ve highlighted the location of all the tools in the screenshot.

It’s crucial to accurately declare each pin’s position. The pinout must match that of the footprint exactly to ensure correct connections.

Step 5

Once you’ve completed drawing the symbol, save it by pressing “CTRL + S”. You can also close the editor if you’re done for now.

Step 6

Now that the symbol is ready, it’s time to design the footprint. Open the footprint editor and click on “Create New Footprint”. Select the library where you want to save the new footprint and proceed.

Step 7

Give the footprint a name. For consistency, it’s a good practice to use the same name as the symbol. Once the name is chosen, click OK, as shown below.

Step 8

Now, you can begin designing the footprint for the component. On the right, you’ll find all the necessary tools. Select the option for creating new pads. The following screenshot demonstrates how to proceed.

Step 9

If you double-click a pad, you can access its settings to make adjustments, as shown in the screenshot below.

Step 10

If you need to position the pads precisely or maintain a specific distance between them, you can use the coordinate tool, or alternatively, use the positioning tool found on the right side of the editor.

Conclusion

After designing the footprint, save it and proceed with using it during the PCB design phase. I hope this guide has been useful in helping you create and integrate custom footprints and symbols in KiCad. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out.

If you have any questions regarding PCB and PCBA, please contact me at info@wellcircuits.com