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grabowski 046f66f6eb Refine repository structure for KiCad 9 optimization

- Add dedicated /kicad/ directory with organized subdirectories for libraries, schematics, gerbers, plots, and backups
- Create comprehensive KiCad 9 library structure (symbols, footprints, 3D models)
- Add manufacturing-ready directories for production files (gerbers, drill, pick-and-place)
- Update all README files with KiCad-specific documentation and workflows
- Add KiCad-optimized .gitignore file for proper version control
- Create KICAD-PROJECT-TEMPLATE.md comprehensive usage guide
- Add hardware assembly documentation and BOM management
- Include detailed manufacturing file generation instructions
- Add docs structure with design-notes and user-manual directories
- Provide complete workflow from design to manufacturing with quality checklists

2025-08-03 16:27:46 +07:00

README.md

Refine repository structure for KiCad 9 optimization

2025-08-03 16:27:46 +07:00

README.md

/kicad/libraries/footprints

Custom footprints for your KiCad project.

File Format

Footprints are stored in .pretty directories
Each .pretty directory is a footprint library
Individual footprints are .kicad_mod files within the .pretty directory

Naming Convention

Library directories: ProjectName_ComponentType.pretty
Footprint files: ComponentName.kicad_mod
Examples:
- MyProject_Connectors.pretty/
  - USB-C_Receptacle.kicad_mod
  - Header_2x10_2.54mm.kicad_mod
- MyProject_MCU.pretty/
  - STM32F4_LQFP64.kicad_mod

Footprint Creation Guidelines

Include proper pad sizes and drill holes
Add courtyard layer (F.CrtYd/B.CrtYd) with 0.25mm clearance minimum
Include fabrication layer (F.Fab/B.Fab) with component outline
Add silkscreen layer (F.SilkS/B.SilkS) for component identification
Set reference designator and value positions
Include 3D model associations when available

Layer Guidelines

F.Cu/B.Cu: Copper pads and traces
F.SilkS/B.SilkS: Silkscreen printing
F.Fab/B.Fab: Fabrication layer (component outline)
F.CrtYd/B.CrtYd: Courtyard (component keepout area)
F.Mask/B.Mask: Solder mask openings

Adding to Project

Open KiCad Project Manager
Go to Preferences → Manage Footprint Libraries
Click Add and browse to this directory
Select your .pretty directory
Set library nickname and path (use relative paths)

Example Library Structure

footprints/
├── MyProject_Connectors.pretty/
│   ├── USB-C_Receptacle.kicad_mod
│   ├── Header_2x10_2.54mm.kicad_mod
│   └── Terminal_Block_3pin.kicad_mod
├── MyProject_MCU.pretty/
│   ├── STM32F4_LQFP64.kicad_mod
│   └── ESP32_Module.kicad_mod
└── MyProject_Sensors.pretty/
    ├── BME280_LGA8.kicad_mod
    └── MPU6050_QFN24.kicad_mod