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
/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
- Open your schematic (
.kicad_sch) - Go to File → Plot
- Select output directory:
kicad/plots/ - Choose format (PDF recommended)
- Configure options and click Plot
PCB Plots
- Open your PCB (
.kicad_pcb) - Go to File → Plot
- Select output directory:
kicad/plots/ - Choose layers to plot
- Select format (PDF recommended)
- 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