grabowski
046f66f6eb
- 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
90 lines
2.7 KiB
Markdown
90 lines
2.7 KiB
Markdown
# /kicad/plots
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PDF plots and prints of schematics and PCB layouts.
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## Purpose
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This directory contains PDF plots generated from KiCad for:
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- Design documentation
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- Design reviews and approvals
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- Printing for manual assembly
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- Sharing with non-KiCad users
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- Archive documentation
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## File Types
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- **`.pdf`**: PDF plots of schematics and PCB layers
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- **`.svg`**: Vector graphics (optional alternative format)
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- **`.ps`**: PostScript files (legacy format)
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## Generating Plots in KiCad
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### Schematic Plots
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1. Open your schematic (`.kicad_sch`)
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2. Go to **File → Plot**
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3. Select output directory: `kicad/plots/`
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4. Choose format (PDF recommended)
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5. Configure options and click **Plot**
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### PCB Plots
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1. Open your PCB (`.kicad_pcb`)
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2. Go to **File → Plot**
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3. Select output directory: `kicad/plots/`
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4. Choose layers to plot
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5. Select format (PDF recommended)
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6. Click **Plot**
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## Recommended Plot Files
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```
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plots/
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├── schematic/
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│ ├── ProjectName-Schematic.pdf # Complete schematic
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│ ├── ProjectName-PowerSupply.pdf # Power supply sheet
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│ └── ProjectName-MCU.pdf # MCU sheet
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├── pcb/
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│ ├── ProjectName-Assembly-Top.pdf # Top assembly drawing
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│ ├── ProjectName-Assembly-Bottom.pdf # Bottom assembly drawing
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│ ├── ProjectName-Copper-F.pdf # Front copper layer
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│ ├── ProjectName-Copper-B.pdf # Back copper layer
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│ ├── ProjectName-Silkscreen-F.pdf # Front silkscreen
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│ └── ProjectName-Silkscreen-B.pdf # Back silkscreen
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└── combined/
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├── ProjectName-Complete.pdf # All sheets in one file
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└── ProjectName-Assembly.pdf # Assembly drawings only
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```
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## Plot Settings Recommendations
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### Schematic Plots
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- **Format**: PDF
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- **Page Size**: A4 or Letter
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- **Plot Mode**: Color or Black and White
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- **Plot Frame**: Include for documentation
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- **Plot All Pages**: For multi-sheet designs
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### PCB Plots
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- **Format**: PDF
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- **Layers**: Select relevant layers
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- **Plot Mode**: Color recommended
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- **Drill Marks**: Include for assembly
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- **Plot Frame**: Include reference information
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- **Scale**: 1:1 for assembly drawings
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## Usage Guidelines
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- Generate plots at major design milestones
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- Include version information in plot titles
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- Use consistent naming conventions
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- Create combined PDFs for easy sharing
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- Include assembly drawings for manufacturing
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## Print Settings for Assembly
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- **Scale**: 1:1 (actual size)
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- **Paper**: A4 or larger
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- **Quality**: High resolution
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- **Color**: Recommended for clarity
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- **Margins**: Minimal for maximum size
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## Version Control
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- Commit plots with design changes
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- Tag releases with complete plot sets
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- Use descriptive commit messages
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- Consider file sizes for frequent commits
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