# /kicad/libraries

Custom KiCad libraries for your project.

## Directory Structure

- `symbols/` - Custom schematic symbols (`.kicad_sym` files)
- `footprints/` - Custom footprints (`.pretty` directories)
- `3dmodels/` - Custom 3D models (`.step`, `.wrl` files)

## Usage Guidelines

### Symbols (`symbols/`)
- Store custom schematic symbols as `.kicad_sym` files
- Use descriptive names (e.g., `MyProject_MCU.kicad_sym`)
- Include symbol properties and documentation

### Footprints (`footprints/`)
- Each footprint library is a `.pretty` directory
- Store related footprints together (e.g., `MyProject_Connectors.pretty/`)
- Include courtyard and fabrication layers

### 3D Models (`3dmodels/`)
- Store STEP files (`.step`) for mechanical accuracy
- Store VRML files (`.wrl`) for KiCad 3D viewer compatibility
- Use consistent naming with footprints

## Library Configuration

1. In KiCad, go to **Preferences → Manage Symbol Libraries**
2. Add your custom symbol libraries from `symbols/`
3. Go to **Preferences → Manage Footprint Libraries**
4. Add your custom footprint libraries from `footprints/`
5. Configure 3D model paths to point to `3dmodels/`

## Best Practices

- Use relative paths in your project settings
- Document custom components in `/hardware/datasheets/`
- Version control all custom libraries
- Follow KiCad naming conventions