Beginner 25 min read

KiCad Getting Started Tutorial

Learn PCB design with KiCad from scratch.

Introduction

KiCad is a free and open-source electronics design automation (EDA) suite. It includes schematic capture, PCB layout, a 3D viewer, and built-in SPICE simulation. This tutorial walks you through creating your first PCB project from start to finish.

Installation

Download KiCad from the official website (kicad.org) for your operating system:

  • Windows: Run the installer and accept the defaults. The package manager will install all required libraries.
  • macOS: Download the DMG and drag KiCad to Applications. On first launch, allow it to finish downloading component libraries.
  • Linux: Use your package manager: sudo apt install kicad (Debian/Ubuntu) or sudo dnf install kicad (Fedora).

Creating a New Project

Launch KiCad and go to File → New Project. Choose a location and name for your project. KiCad creates two files:

  • .kicad_sch — The schematic file where you draw your circuit.
  • .kicad_pcb — The PCB layout file where you arrange components and route traces.

Schematic Capture

Double-click the schematic file to open the schematic editor. Key shortcuts:

  • A — Add component from library.
  • W — Draw wire to connect components.
  • V — Edit component value.
  • R — Rotate component.
  • X — Mirror component horizontally.

Place components by pressing A, searching for the part (e.g., "R" for resistor), and clicking to place. Connect pins with the wire tool (W).

Assigning Footprints

After completing the schematic, go to Tools → Assign Footprints. This opens the footprint assignment tool where you map each schematic symbol to a physical footprint (e.g., Resistor → Resistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric).

KiCad includes a comprehensive library of standard footprints. Use the filter to search by package size or manufacturer.

PCB Layout

Click "Open PCB in PCB Editor" or double-click the .kicad_pcb file. Press B to update the PCB from the schematic. Components appear as a ratsnest (unrouted connections).

Key layout workflow:

  1. Define board outline: Draw the Edge.Cuts layer to define your PCB shape.
  2. Place components: Arrange ICs first, then supporting components nearby.
  3. Route traces: Press X to start routing a track. Use the top copper (F.Cu) and bottom copper (B.Cu) layers.
  4. Add vias: Press V while routing to switch layers and place a via.

Design Rules

Before manufacturing, configure design rules in File → Board Setup → Design Rules. Common settings for standard PCB fabrication:

  • Minimum track width: 0.15mm (6 mil)
  • Minimum clearance: 0.15mm (6 mil)
  • Minimum via size: 0.3mm drill / 0.6mm annular ring

Generating Gerbers

When your layout is complete, go to File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerbers (.gbr). Select all copper layers, mask layers, paste layers, and the board outline. Click "Plot" then "Generate Drill Files". Upload the generated files to your PCB manufacturer.

Helpful Tips

  • Use the 3D viewer (Alt+3) to inspect your board before ordering.
  • Run the DRC (Design Rules Check) frequently to catch errors early.
  • Keep decoupling capacitors as close as possible to IC power pins.
  • Use ground planes on inner layers for better signal integrity.

Conclusion

KiCad is a powerful tool that rivals commercial EDA software. Start with a simple single-sided project, then progress to multi-layer designs as you gain confidence. The KiCad community forums and official documentation are excellent resources for learning more.