![]() From a FreeCAD point of view, that means you may want to avoid using some of the FreeCAD sketch features. So in order to synchronize back and forth, the sketch content cannot be more complex than the KiCad Sketcher can handle. One example is that the Sketcher used in KiCad to define the board outline is very limited compared to the Sketcher Workbench of FreeCAD. It's important to note that the differences between the two programs impose some difficulties for a full data exchange. That is also the reason that no plugin on the KiCad side is required. Projects can be used without the other application or KicadStepUp installed. That way each application can work with its native data files. KicadStepUp will convert standard FreeCAD files to KiCad files and vice versa. on a central server) and have specialists on mechanical CAD (MCAD) working in FreeCAD and electronics experts on electrical CAD (ECAD). Professional users can work on the same files (e.g. For home use you might have FreeCAD and KiCad running at the same time. The basic idea of KicadStepUp is to synchronize data between the two applications. ![]() ![]() KicadStepUp is part of the external workbenches, and can be automatically installed using the Addon manager which is included with FreeCAD 0.17 and up, under the Tools → AddOn manager menu. Design a new footprint in FreeCAD to get the power of Sketch in footprints.PULL a PCB edge from a KiCad PCB board, edit it in the Sketcher Workbench of FreeCAD and PUSH it back to KiCad.Design a new PCB edge with the Sketcher Workbench of FreeCAD and PUSH it to an existing KiCad PCB board.Check interference and collisions for enclosure and footprint design.Convert the STEP 3D model of parts, board, enclosure to VRML with Materials properties for the best use in KiCad.Load KiCad footprint in FreeCAD to easy and precisely align the mechanical model to KiCad footprint.Load KiCad board and parts in FreeCAD and export it to STEP (or IGES) for a full ECAD MCAD collaboration.So knowing those makes it a lot easier to understand how to use this workbench. Although some topics like adding new schematics and footprints to a local library seem to be of little interest for the beginner, in practice they are often encountered quickly after starting a serious project.įor all these KiCad concepts one can find a feature of some sort in the KicadStepUp workbench. If one does not know KiCad yet, it's recommended to complete a stand-alone PCB according to the Getting Started Guide to understand the concepts involved. Additionally, each tool has its own manual. However, since KiCad has been used in production for years, there is excellent documentation, e.g., a very good "Getting Started" document. KiCad's GUI philosophy is a bit different compared to FreeCAD, especially when it comes down to creating elements and moving them around. The libraries are hosted here, so everyone can create and check in parts. The great thing is that using FreeCAD with the KicadStepUp Workbench is the official KiCad way to create 3D parts for electronic components for KiCad. It allows the user to design an electronic schematic diagram and then a single or multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) using an extensive library of parts. KiCad ( website) is an Open Source Electronics Design Automation Suite. KicadStepUp Workbench is aimed at helping both KiCad and FreeCAD users in collaborating with electrical (ECAD) and mechanical (MCAD) design.
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