What is KiCad about? Starting with KiCad ...

Discover what KiCad is and how to get started, as a first-time user shares beginner questions about worth, ease of use, and whether to install the software.

Install KiCad from the download page for your OS, explore existing project examples, and learn to navigate multi-page schematics and start your own project.

Start a KiCad project, create a new library, and add a schematic symbol with customizable reference designator, pins, and grid placement, then edit, move, rotate, and duplicate components.

Learn to create footprints in KiCad by adding a footprint library, drawing outlines on silkscreen and fabrication layers, placing the reference designator in the assembly drawing.

Import a 3D model into the KiCad project, assign it to the footprint in 3D settings, rotate it by minus 90 degrees, and adjust the position by 0.07.

Discover how to assign footprints to symbols in KiCad, update symbol footprints from the library, and propagate those updates to existing schematics by saving library changes.

Learn to draw a schematic in KiCad by placing symbols, connecting components with nets, labeling nets, and annotating parts, then assign footprints and preview 3d models.

Learn how to import a schematic into a PCB design and place components, update the schematic, select and rotate parts, and connect nets for a complete layout.

Practice pcb layout in KiCad by placing and adjusting components, routing traces with interactive router, managing collisions, enabling show mode, drawing copper pours, and shaping polygons on the board.

Explore KiCad rules and settings, learn how to adjust mask openings to zero point one millimeter, and review default layer settings and rule options for your board.

Update footprints from the library, explore the 3D model view, and refine the assembly drawing layout by hiding layers and values for a clean presentation.

Run a design rule check on the board, fix the footprint by adjusting polygons and lines, and rerun the DRC to verify a correct board.

Generate production outputs in KiCad by exporting the schematic as a pdf, and creating gerber files and drill files for manufacturing, while organizing plots and fabrication data.

Generate assembly drawings, a pick and place file, and a bill of materials from your KiCad project; learn to plot layers, create position files, and export fabrication outputs for assembly.

Explore KiCad basics as the speaker shares a quick, positive experience after hours of practice, noting the software is free, easy to use, and supported by quick online help.