vault backup: 2026-08-28 20:10:03

Notes/Electronics/KiCad.md

@@ -6,8 +6,23 @@
 
 Find the symbol and footprint on UltraLibrarian or another site.   
 
-- Symbols needs an `.kicad_sym`
-- Footprint
+- Symbol needs a file with a `.kicad_sym` extension
+- Footprint needs a folder with a`.pretty` extension and with one or more files with `.kicad_mod` extensions in it
+- The 3D model needs a STEP AP214 file with a `.stp` extension
+
+Copy all the files into a folder in the project, e.g. `Symbols/PART_NAME` after you unzip them into the **Downloads** folder.
+
+### Symbol
+
+Go to **Schematics Editor** and open **Preferences > Manage Symbol Libraries**.  Click on **Project Specific Libraries**.  Click on the ➕ button.  Click on the 📁 icon in the new row, select the  `.kicad_sym` file.  Give it the row a **Nickname** that matches the part.
+
+### Footprint
+
+Go to the **PCB Editor**.  Go to **Preferences > Manage Footprint Libraries**.  Click on **Project Specific Libraries**.  Click on **➕** button.  Click on the 📁 icon in the new row, select the `.pretty` folder.  Give the row a **Nickname** that matches the part.
+
+### 3D Model
+
+
 ## Elements
 
 - A pin header is a set of pins that connects to PCB's together