# /kicad/plots

PDF plots and prints of schematics and PCB layouts.

## Purpose
This directory contains PDF plots generated from KiCad for:
- Design documentation
- Design reviews and approvals
- Printing for manual assembly
- Sharing with non-KiCad users
- Archive documentation

## File Types
- **`.pdf`**: PDF plots of schematics and PCB layers
- **`.svg`**: Vector graphics (optional alternative format)
- **`.ps`**: PostScript files (legacy format)

## Generating Plots in KiCad

### Schematic Plots
1. Open your schematic (`.kicad_sch`)
2. Go to **File → Plot**
3. Select output directory: `kicad/plots/`
4. Choose format (PDF recommended)
5. Configure options and click **Plot**

### PCB Plots
1. Open your PCB (`.kicad_pcb`)
2. Go to **File → Plot**
3. Select output directory: `kicad/plots/`
4. Choose layers to plot
5. Select format (PDF recommended)
6. Click **Plot**

## Recommended Plot Files
```
plots/
├── schematic/
│   ├── ProjectName-Schematic.pdf      # Complete schematic
│   ├── ProjectName-PowerSupply.pdf    # Power supply sheet
│   └── ProjectName-MCU.pdf            # MCU sheet
├── pcb/
│   ├── ProjectName-Assembly-Top.pdf   # Top assembly drawing
│   ├── ProjectName-Assembly-Bottom.pdf # Bottom assembly drawing
│   ├── ProjectName-Copper-F.pdf       # Front copper layer
│   ├── ProjectName-Copper-B.pdf       # Back copper layer
│   ├── ProjectName-Silkscreen-F.pdf   # Front silkscreen
│   └── ProjectName-Silkscreen-B.pdf   # Back silkscreen
└── combined/
    ├── ProjectName-Complete.pdf       # All sheets in one file
    └── ProjectName-Assembly.pdf       # Assembly drawings only
```

## Plot Settings Recommendations

### Schematic Plots
- **Format**: PDF
- **Page Size**: A4 or Letter
- **Plot Mode**: Color or Black and White
- **Plot Frame**: Include for documentation
- **Plot All Pages**: For multi-sheet designs

### PCB Plots
- **Format**: PDF
- **Layers**: Select relevant layers
- **Plot Mode**: Color recommended
- **Drill Marks**: Include for assembly
- **Plot Frame**: Include reference information
- **Scale**: 1:1 for assembly drawings

## Usage Guidelines
- Generate plots at major design milestones
- Include version information in plot titles
- Use consistent naming conventions
- Create combined PDFs for easy sharing
- Include assembly drawings for manufacturing

## Print Settings for Assembly
- **Scale**: 1:1 (actual size)
- **Paper**: A4 or larger
- **Quality**: High resolution
- **Color**: Recommended for clarity
- **Margins**: Minimal for maximum size

## Version Control
- Commit plots with design changes
- Tag releases with complete plot sets
- Use descriptive commit messages
- Consider file sizes for frequent commits
