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Chapter 1. Introduction to KiCad
KiCad is an open-source software tool for the creation of electronic schematic diagrams and PCB artwork. Beneath its singular surface, KiCad incorporates an elegant ensemble of the following stand-alone software tools:
| Program name | Description | File extension |
|---|---|---|
KiCad | Project manager |
|
Eeschema | Schematic editor (both schematic and component) |
|
CvPcb | Footprint selector |
|
Pcbnew | Circuit board board editor |
|
GerbView | Gerber viewer | All the usual gerbers |
Bitmap2Component | Convert bitmap images to components or footprints |
|
PCB Calculator | Calculator for components, track width, electrical spacing, color codes, and more… | None |
Pl Editor | Page layout editor |
|
Note
The file extension list is not complete and only contains a subset of the files that KiCad works with that is useful for the basic understanding of which files are used for each KiCad unique application.
KiCad can be considered mature enough to be used for the successful development and maintenance of complex electronic boards.
KiCad does not present any board-size limitation and it can easily handle up to 32 copper layers, up to 14 technical layers and up to 4 auxiliary layers. KiCad can create all the files necessary for building printed boards, Gerber files for photo-plotters, drilling files, component location files and a lot more.
Being open source (GPL licensed), KiCad represents the ideal tool for projects oriented towards the creation of electronic hardware with an open-source flavour.
On the Internet, the home of KiCad is:
