Gerber and drill files are the files sent to manufacturers to produce your PCBs. Often used to make and manage custom footprints that aren't found in KiCad's default footprint library. Note: This program was awkwardly called 'PcbNew' in KiCad 5.1 and earlier, so you may still see the PCB Editor refered to as such in online resources.įootprint editor and footprint library manager. You will likely be spending most of your time in this editor. Often used to make and manage custom symbols that aren't found in KiCad's default symbol library.īoard layout editor. Symbol editor and symbol library manager. Note: This program was awkwardly called 'Eescheema' in KiCad 5.1 and earlier, so you may still see the Schematic Editor refered to as such in online resources. The programs are:įor creating and editing schematics. KiCad can be thought of as a collection of 'independent' programs that make up the features of an entire PCB ECAD. The row of large icons is a list of tools that make up KiCad. PCB files can be opened in their respective KiCad sub-programs through this side pane with a double-click. KiCad projects are maintained as a folder directory, and the active project's directory is shown in this side pane. The left side 'Project Files' pane serves as the project tree view.

When first started, the left side pane and main body of the window would be blank, as in the image above. This window serves as the hub for the files and tools you need for any ECAD project in KiCad.

Starting KiCad, you should be greeted with the main Project Manager window: Follow instructions in the Lecture 1 slides to download KiCad 5.99 For the first few classes, the focus will be on becoming familiar with HOPE's PCB tool of choice: KiCad.

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