Importing Eagle recordsdata into KiCad could be a daunting activity, however it’s doable with the proper instruments and strategies. Step one is to transform the Eagle recordsdata to a format that KiCad can perceive. There are a number of other ways to do that, however the commonest is to make use of a third-party converter software equivalent to Eagle2KiCad or pcb2kicad. As soon as the Eagle recordsdata have been transformed, they are often imported into KiCad utilizing the “File” > “Import” > “PCB” menu. The imported recordsdata will probably be positioned in a brand new mission, and you may then start modifying them in KiCad.
There are a number of issues to bear in mind when importing Eagle recordsdata into KiCad. First, the 2 applications use totally different coordinate methods. In Eagle, the origin is situated on the backside left nook of the board, whereas in KiCad the origin is situated on the high left nook. This may result in confusion when inserting parts, so you will need to concentrate on the distinction. Second, KiCad doesn’t assist all the options which might be obtainable in Eagle. Which means that a few of the options in your Eagle design is probably not preserved whenever you import it into KiCad. Lastly, KiCad makes use of a unique set of libraries than Eagle. This implies that you could be want to search out new libraries for a few of the parts in your Eagle design.
Regardless of these challenges, importing Eagle recordsdata into KiCad is feasible. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to efficiently convert your Eagle design to KiCad and proceed engaged on it within the highly effective KiCad surroundings.
Putting in KiCad and Eagle Import Plugin
To start, you will want to put in KiCad, an open-source EDA suite, and the Eagle Import plugin that permits you to import Eagle recordsdata into KiCad. This is a step-by-step information:
Putting in KiCad
1. **Obtain KiCad**: Go to the KiCad web site and obtain the most recent secure launch to your working system.
2. **Set up KiCad**: Observe the set up directions supplied by KiCad.
Putting in Eagle Import Plugin
1. **Obtain Eagle Import Plugin**: Go to the KiCad web site and obtain the Eagle Import plugin to your KiCad model.
2. **Extract Plugin**: Extract the downloaded ZIP archive to a handy location.
Manually Putting in the Plugin
a. **Find KiCad Plugin Folder**: Normally discovered at
b. **Copy Plugin Information**: Copy the extracted plugin recordsdata (e.g., eagle_import.py, eagle_import.xml) into the KiCad plugin folder.
Putting in the Plugin through KiCad Bundle Supervisor
a. **Open KiCad**: Launch KiCad and go to **Preferences** → **Plugin Supervisor**.
b. **Set up Plugin**: Click on **Set up** and browse to the extracted plugin folder. Choose the extracted eagle_import.xml file and click on **Open**.
c. **Restart KiCad**: KiCad would require a restart to load the newly put in plugin.
| Methodology | Appropriate For |
|---|---|
| Guide Set up | Superior customers or those that favor handbook configuration |
| Bundle Supervisor Set up | Really useful for ease of use and future updates |
Configuring KiCad to Learn Eagle Information
To configure KiCad to learn Eagle recordsdata, you have to to put in the Eagle2KiCad extension. This extension may be downloaded from the KiCad web site. As soon as the extension is put in, you have to to open the Preferences dialog field in KiCad and choose the “Import/Export” tab. Within the “Import/Export” tab, you have to to pick the “Eagle2KiCad” extension from the listing of accessible extensions. As soon as the extension is chosen, you have to to click on on the “Configure Extensions button” and set the next choices:
eagle2kicad Path
This selection specifies the trail to the eagle2kicad executable. The eagle2kicad executable is situated within the KiCad set up listing.
Eagle Model
This selection specifies the model of Eagle that you’re utilizing. The Eagle model may be discovered within the Eagle Assist menu.
Enter File
This selection specifies the trail to the Eagle file that you simply need to import.
Output File
This selection specifies the trail to the KiCad file that you simply need to create.
Log File
This selection specifies the trail to the log file that will probably be created in the course of the import course of.
| Choice | Description |
|—|—|
| eagle2kicad Path | Path to the eagle2kicad executable |
| Eagle Model | Model of Eagle that you’re utilizing |
| Enter File | Path to the Eagle file that you simply need to import |
| Output File | Path to the KiCad file that you simply need to create |
| Log File | Path to the log file that will probably be created in the course of the import course of |
Opening the Eagle File in KiCad
To import an Eagle file into KiCad, observe these steps:
- Open KiCad and create a brand new mission.
- Within the KiCad mission supervisor, right-click on the mission title and choose “Import Eagle PCB.”
- Browse to the Eagle file you need to import and click on “Open.”
- KiCad will import the Eagle file. The imported file will probably be displayed within the KiCad PCB editor.
- 4. Troubleshooting
- Just remember to are utilizing the most recent model of KiCad.
- Ensure that the Eagle file is a legitimate Eagle file.
- Strive importing the Eagle file into a brand new KiCad mission.
- In case you are nonetheless having issues, you’ll be able to ask for assistance on the KiCad boards.
- Eagle’s “board” layer shouldn’t be a bodily layer in KiCad, however slightly represents the define of the PCB.
- KiCad doesn’t assist Eagle’s “dimension” layer kind. Dimensions needs to be transferred manually or utilizing a separate software.
- Eagle’s “person” layers are mapped to KiCad’s “Customized Layers” layer group.
- Set up Python in your system.
- Find the KiCad script file “eagle2kicad_sch.py” within the KiCad set up listing.
- Open a command-line interface (e.g., Terminal on macOS or Command Immediate on Home windows).
- Navigate to the listing containing the Eagle schematic file.
- Run the next command:
“`
python eagle2kicad_sch.py enter.sch output.sch
“`Guide Conversion
Alternatively, you’ll be able to manually convert Eagle schematics utilizing the next steps:
- Open the Eagle schematic file in a textual content editor.
- Substitute all situations of “eagle” with “kicad”.
- Take away the “.sch” extension from the road beginning with “Design.”.
- Save the file as a KiCad schematic (“.sch” extension).
Suggestions for Guide Conversion
To make sure a profitable handbook conversion, contemplate the next ideas:
Subject Resolution Lacking Libraries Obtain and set up the KiCad equivalents of the lacking Eagle libraries. Incorrect Part Pinouts Use a KiCad element editor or schematic seize software to manually appropriate the pin assignments. File Hierarchy Variations KiCad represents schematics in a different way than Eagle. Arrange your KiCad mission accordingly. Changing Eagle PCBs to KiCad PCBs
Importing Eagle PCB designs into KiCad permits for seamless integration and additional improvement. Listed here are the important thing steps concerned within the conversion course of:
1. Set up a Conversion Utility
Begin by putting in a conversion utility equivalent to “PCB2KiCad” or “Eagle2KiCad.” These instruments present the required performance to translate Eagle recordsdata into KiCad-compatible codecs.
2. Put together the Eagle Information
Be sure that the Eagle recordsdata are clear and correct. Take away any pointless layers or parts that is probably not required in KiCad.
3. Run the Conversion Utility
Open the conversion utility and choose the Eagle file to be transformed. Specify the output file format as KiCad’s .kicad_pcb file.
4. Regulate the KiCad Settings
As soon as the conversion is full, open the .kicad_pcb file in KiCad. Regulate the board settings, equivalent to items and grid dimension, to match your necessities.
5. Repair Part Footprints
The conversion course of might not at all times completely recreate element footprints. Verify and modify any footprints that don’t match the unique Eagle design.
6. Re-route Tracks
Some tracks might require rerouting on account of variations within the routing algorithms between Eagle and KiCad. Use the “Route Tracks” characteristic to manually modify the observe structure.
7. Verify and Validate the Design
Totally examine the transformed design for any errors or inconsistencies. Validate the design utilizing KiCad’s built-in design rule checker and make vital modifications.
Error Varieties Attainable Causes Troubleshooting Steps Lacking parts Parts not included within the Eagle file Add lacking parts to the Eagle file earlier than conversion Incorrect footprints Conversion utility error or Footprint library mismatch Verify and manually modify footprints as wanted Damaged tracks Routing algorithm variations Manually re-route tracks to make sure continuity Customizing the Imported Eagle Information
As soon as the Eagle recordsdata have been imported into KiCad, there are some things that you are able to do to customise them.
1. Enhancing the Schematic
The schematic may be edited in KiCad’s Eeschema. You’ll be able to add or take away parts, change the connections between parts and edit the textual content on the schematic.
2. Enhancing the PCB Format
The PCB structure may be edited in KiCad’s Pcbnew. You’ll be able to transfer parts round, change the scale and form of the board, and add or take away copper traces.
3. Renaming the Information
The imported Eagle recordsdata may have the identical names as the unique recordsdata. You’ll be able to rename the recordsdata by right-clicking on them within the KiCad mission tree and deciding on the “Rename” possibility.
4. Including a Undertaking Title
You’ll be able to add a mission title to the KiCad mission by clicking on the “Undertaking” menu and deciding on the “Undertaking Properties” possibility. Within the “Undertaking Properties” dialog, enter a title for the mission within the “Title” area.
5. Saving the Undertaking
After getting made your adjustments to the Eagle recordsdata, it can save you the KiCad mission by clicking on the “File” menu and deciding on the “Save” possibility.
6. Producing Documentation
You’ll be able to generate documentation to your KiCad mission by clicking on the “File” menu and deciding on the “Generate Documentation” possibility. The “Generate Documentation” dialog will let you select the kind of documentation that you simply need to generate.
7. Including a Invoice of Supplies (BOM)
You’ll be able to add a BOM to your KiCad mission by clicking on the “File” menu and deciding on the “Add BOM” possibility. The “Add BOM” dialog will let you select the format of the BOM.
8. Working Design Rule Checks (DRCs)
You’ll be able to run DRCs in your KiCad mission by clicking on the “Instruments” menu and deciding on the “Run Design Rule Checks” possibility. The “Run Design Rule Checks” dialog will let you select the DRC guidelines that you simply need to run.
9. Changing the KiCad Undertaking to a Gerber File
After getting completed designing your PCB structure, you’ll be able to convert it to a Gerber file by clicking on the “File” menu and deciding on the “Generate Gerber Information” possibility. The “Generate Gerber Information” dialog will let you select the settings for the Gerber recordsdata.
Choice Description X2 Gerber layer The highest copper layer Y2 Gerber layer The underside copper layer B2 Gerber layer The solder masks layer T2 Gerber layer The highest silkscreen layer B1 Gerber layer The underside silkscreen layer Saving and Verifying the Transformed KiCad Information
1. Save the KiCad Undertaking File
After importing the Eagle file, save the transformed KiCad mission file in EESchema or PCBNew format. This may create a brand new mission folder containing the schematic and PCB structure recordsdata.
2. Confirm the Schematic
Open the schematic file (.sch) in EESchema and punctiliously evaluation it. Be sure that all parts have been efficiently transferred and that the connections are appropriate.
3. Confirm the PCB Format
Open the PCB structure file (.pcb) in PCBNew and zoom in to examine the structure. Verify the positions and orientations of parts, in addition to any traces, vias, and copper pours.
4. Run DRC Checks
Carry out Design Rule Checks (DRCs) in PCBNew to determine any potential errors or violations. Appropriate any points discovered earlier than continuing.
5. Carry out Electrical Rule Checks (ERCs)
Run ERCs in EESchema to confirm {the electrical} connectivity of the schematic. Be sure that all nets are correctly related and that there aren’t any errors.
6. Generate Gerbers and Drill Information
As soon as the schematic and structure have been verified, generate Gerber recordsdata and drill recordsdata for fabrication. These recordsdata outline the bodily particulars of the PCB, together with the copper traces, soldermask, and drill holes.
7. Create a Invoice of Supplies (BOM)
Generate a BOM from the transformed KiCad mission. The BOM lists all parts used within the design and their respective portions and values.
8. Overview and Finalize the Information
Rigorously evaluation all generated recordsdata, together with Gerbers, drill recordsdata, and BOM. Make any vital changes or corrections earlier than sending them for fabrication.
9. Retailer the KiCad Undertaking
Save all the KiCad mission folder in a safe location. This consists of the schematic, structure, Gerbers, drill recordsdata, BOM, and another related documentation.
The way to Import Eagle Information to KiCad
KiCad is a free and open-source EDA (digital design automation) software program suite. Eagle is a industrial EDA software program suite. Each KiCad and Eagle are used to design printed circuit boards (PCBs). When you’ve got a design file for a PCB that was created in Eagle, you’ll be able to import it into KiCad to make adjustments or to proceed engaged on the design.
To import an Eagle file into KiCad, observe these steps:
- Open KiCad.
- Click on on the “File” menu and choose “Import”.
- Within the “Import” dialog field, choose the Eagle file that you simply need to import.
- Click on on the “Import” button.
KiCad will import the Eagle file and create a brand new mission for the design. The brand new mission will include all the parts and nets from the Eagle file.
Folks Additionally Ask about The way to Import Eagle Information to KiCad
How do I open an Eagle file in KiCad?
To open an Eagle file in KiCad, observe the steps outlined within the “The way to Import Eagle Information to KiCad” part above.
Can I edit Eagle recordsdata in KiCad?
Sure, you’ll be able to edit Eagle recordsdata in KiCad. Nevertheless, some options of Eagle recordsdata is probably not supported in KiCad. For instance, KiCad doesn’t assist Eagle’s “ratsnest” characteristic.
How do I convert an Eagle file to a KiCad file?
To transform an Eagle file to a KiCad file, you should utilize the “Import” characteristic in KiCad. KiCad will mechanically convert the Eagle file to a KiCad file.
Should you encounter any issues importing an Eagle file into KiCad, strive the next:
| Error | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Eagle file shouldn’t be a legitimate Eagle file | Use a unique Eagle file |
| KiCad shouldn’t be in a position to import the Eagle file | Replace KiCad to the most recent model |
Mapping Eagle Layers to KiCad Layers
When importing Eagle recordsdata into KiCad, it is essential to map the suitable Eagle layers to their corresponding KiCad layers. This ensures that the layer-specific data is appropriately transferred in the course of the import course of.
Eagle Layers and KiCad Equivalents
The next desk supplies a mapping between Eagle layers and their KiCad equivalents:
| Eagle Layer | KiCad Layer |
|---|---|
| board | Edge.Cuts |
| etch (high) | F.Cu |
| etch (backside) | B.Cu |
| dielectric | F.Masks |
| solder (high) | F.Paste |
| solder (backside) | B.Paste |
| silk (high) | F.SilkS |
| silk (backside) | B.SilkS |
| dimension | Dimension |
| person (1-16) | Customized Layers |
Mapping Customized Layers
Eagle recordsdata might include customized layers that aren’t instantly supported by KiCad. To import these layers, you’ll be able to create customized layers in KiCad with matching names. Throughout the import course of, KiCad will mechanically map the customized Eagle layers to the newly created KiCad layers.
Remapping Layers
If the default layer mapping shouldn’t be appropriate to your mission, you’ll be able to manually remap layers. To do that, open the “Layer Mapping” dialog within the KiCad import plugin. Right here, you’ll be able to choose the Eagle layer on the left and assign the corresponding KiCad layer on the proper.
Further Concerns
When mapping Eagle layers to KiCad layers, contemplate the next further factors:
Changing Eagle Schematics to KiCad Schematics
Eagle to KiCad Conversion Script
This methodology makes use of a script to transform Eagle schematics to KiCad format. KiCad supplies a Python script that automates the conversion course of. This is tips on how to use it:
