## Basic 

- Start with the schematic editor then move to the PCB

## Adding Symbols, Footprints and 3D Models

Find the symbol and footprint on UltraLibrarian or another site.   

- 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** based on the name/number.

When inserting the part, the name will be the `symbol` name in the `.kicad_sym` text file.
### 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** based on the part name/number.

When setting the footprint on a symbol properties, the name will be the value of `footprint`  in the `.kicad_mod` file.  You have to give it *twice*, separated by a colon (`:`) to avoid errors when synching the schematic to the PCB.
### 3D Model


## Elements

- A pin header is a set of pins that connects to PCB's together

## References 

- [Documentation](https://kicad.github.io/](https://kicad.github.io/)