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How to import into KiCad (Pre V4)?
How to import into KiCad (Pre V4)?

Guide on how to import symbols & footprints into KiCad Pre V4

Carlos Bracho avatar
Written by Carlos Bracho
Updated over a week ago

Import Symbols and Footprints

  1. Extract the content of the downloaded .zip file

  2. In KiCad, go to Tools > Open Eeschema

  3. Select Preferences > Component Libraries

  4. In the Component library files section, click Add

  5. Select the .lib library file

  6. Go to Tools > Open PcbNew

  7. Click Preferences > Footprint Libraries Wizard

  8. Follow the steps in the wizard to select and import the footprint library (.mod file)

Tip: If you can't find the footprint after import, please try these steps:

  1. Select Preferences > Footprint Libraries Manager

  2. In PCB Library Tables click Append Library

  3. Select the Legacy type

  4. In the library path section, navigate to the location where you previously extracted the ZIP contents (where the .mod file should be), then copy and paste the library path

  5. Select a nickname for your library and click OK

You should now be able to find the footprint upon loading and placing.


Import Steps For Older Versions of KiCad

Import Symbols

  1. Launch Eeschema.

  2. Select Preferences > Library.

  3. In the from... window, in the User Defined Search Path area, click Add.

  4. In the Default Path for Libraries windows, navigate to the location where your previously extracted the ZIP contents, then click Select Folder.

  5. Once in the Path type window, click No (unless you use project-specific libraries).

  6. At the from... window, in the Component Library Files area, click Add.

  7. In the Library files: window, select the LIB file, then click Open. The symbol now shows in the Component Library Files list.

  8. In the from... window, click OK.

Import Footprints

  1. Launch Pcbnew.

  2. Select Preferences > Library.

  3. In the from... window, in the User defined search paths area, click Add.

  4. In the Default Path for Libraries windows, navigate to the location where you previously extracted the ZIP contents, then click Select Folder.

  5. Once in the Path type window, click No (unless you use project-specific libraries).

  6. At the from... window, in the Component Library Files area, click Add.

  7. In the Footprint library files window, select the MOD file, then click Open. The footprint now shows in the Footprint library files list.

  8. In the from... window, click OK.

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