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How to import into KiCad (V4 and V5)?
How to import into KiCad (V4 and V5)?

Guide on how to import symbols & footprints into KiCad V4 and V5

Ana Trujillo avatar
Written by Ana Trujillo
Updated over a week ago

Import Symbols

Using the *.lib file:

  1. Extract the content of the downloaded *.zip file.

  2. In KiCad, go to Tools > Edit Schematic Symbols.

  3. Click on Preferences > Manage Symbol Libraries.

  4. On the Global Libraries tab, click on Browse Libraries (the small folder icon below)

  5. Select the *.lib file. Then click Open.

  6. The library will appear, click OK.

  7. Type on the filter search field, and navigate to the symbol you imported. Double-click over it to open the file.


Import Footprints

Using the *.kicad_mod file:

  1. Extract the content of the downloaded *.zip file.

  2. In KiCad, go to Tools > Edit PCB Footprints.

  3. Click on Preferences > Manage Footprint Libraries.

  4. On the Global Libraries tab, click on Browse Libraries (the small folder icon below)

  5. Navigate to the Folder where the *.kicad_mod file is located. Then click Open, and the library will appear.

  6. In the table, make sure that the Plugin Type is set to KiCad. Then click OK.

    NOTE: If the path doesn't have the same name. you can rename it as the part.

  7. Type on the filter search field, and navigate to the footprint you imported. Double-click over it to open the file.
    ​

Using the *.mod file:

  1. Follow the same steps above from step 1 to step 4.

  2. In the table, make sure that the Plugin Type is set to Legacy. Then click OK.

  3. Toggle the search tree on, and navigate to the footprint you imported. Double-click over it to open the file.

NEXT: How to import a 3D model in KiCad?

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