Importing Eagle recordsdata into KiCad generally is a daunting activity, however it’s doable with the fitting instruments and methods. 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 most typical is to make use of a third-party converter software comparable 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 challenge, and you may then start enhancing them in KiCad.
There are a number of issues to remember when importing Eagle recordsdata into KiCad. First, the 2 applications use completely different coordinate programs. In Eagle, the origin is situated on the backside left nook of the board, whereas in KiCad the origin is situated on the prime left nook. This may result in confusion when inserting parts, so it is very important concentrate on the distinction. Second, KiCad doesn’t assist the entire options which are out there in Eagle. Which means that a number of the options in your Eagle design might not be preserved while 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 number 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 lets you import Eagle recordsdata into KiCad. Here is a step-by-step information:
Putting in KiCad
1. **Obtain KiCad**: Go to the KiCad web site and obtain the newest secure launch to your working system.
2. **Set up KiCad**: Comply with the set up directions offered 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**: Often discovered at
b. **Copy Plugin Recordsdata**: Copy the extracted plugin recordsdata (e.g., eagle_import.py, eagle_import.xml) into the KiCad plugin folder.
Putting in the Plugin by way of 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 |
|---|---|
| Handbook Set up | Superior customers or those that desire guide configuration |
| Bundle Supervisor Set up | Advisable for ease of use and future updates |
Configuring KiCad to Learn Eagle Recordsdata
To configure KiCad to learn Eagle recordsdata, you’ll need 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’ll need to open the Preferences dialog field in KiCad and choose the “Import/Export” tab. Within the “Import/Export” tab, you’ll need to pick out the “Eagle2KiCad” extension from the record of obtainable extensions. As soon as the extension is chosen, you’ll need to click on on the “Configure Extensions button” and set the next choices:
eagle2kicad Path
This feature specifies the trail to the eagle2kicad executable. The eagle2kicad executable is situated within the KiCad set up listing.
Eagle Model
This feature specifies the model of Eagle that you’re utilizing. The Eagle model may be discovered within the Eagle Assist menu.
Enter File
This feature specifies the trail to the Eagle file that you just need to import.
Output File
This feature specifies the trail to the KiCad file that you just need to create.
Log File
This feature 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 just need to import |
| Output File | Path to the KiCad file that you just 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, comply with these steps:
- Open KiCad and create a brand new challenge.
- Within the KiCad challenge supervisor, right-click on the challenge 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 newest model of KiCad.
- Guarantee that the Eagle file is a legitimate Eagle file.
- Strive importing the Eagle file into a brand new KiCad challenge.
- In case you are nonetheless having issues, you’ll be able to ask for assistance on the KiCad boards.
- Eagle’s “board” layer is just not a bodily layer in KiCad, however slightly represents the define of the PCB.
- KiCad doesn’t assist Eagle’s “dimension” layer kind. Dimensions ought 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
“`Handbook 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.
- Exchange 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).
Ideas for Handbook Conversion
To make sure a profitable guide conversion, take into account the next ideas:
Situation Resolution Lacking Libraries Obtain and set up the KiCad equivalents of the lacking Eagle libraries. Incorrect Element Pinouts Use a KiCad element editor or schematic seize software to manually appropriate the pin assignments. File Hierarchy Variations KiCad represents schematics otherwise than Eagle. Arrange your KiCad challenge 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 comparable to “PCB2KiCad” or “Eagle2KiCad.” These instruments present the mandatory performance to translate Eagle recordsdata into KiCad-compatible codecs.
2. Put together the Eagle Recordsdata
Make sure that the Eagle recordsdata are clear and correct. Take away any pointless layers or parts that might not be 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. Alter the KiCad Settings
As soon as the conversion is full, open the .kicad_pcb file in KiCad. Alter the board settings, comparable to items and grid dimension, to match your necessities.
5. Repair Element Footprints
The conversion course of could not all the time completely recreate element footprints. Examine and modify any footprints that don’t match the unique Eagle design.
6. Re-route Tracks
Some tracks could require rerouting attributable to variations within the routing algorithms between Eagle and KiCad. Use the “Route Tracks” characteristic to manually modify the observe format.
7. Examine and Validate the Design
Totally verify the transformed design for any errors or inconsistencies. Validate the design utilizing KiCad’s built-in design rule checker and make obligatory modifications.
Error Sorts Potential 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 Examine and manually modify footprints as wanted Damaged tracks Routing algorithm variations Manually re-route tracks to make sure continuity Customizing the Imported Eagle Recordsdata
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 may add or take away parts, change the connections between parts and edit the textual content on the schematic.
2. Enhancing the PCB Structure
The PCB format may be edited in KiCad’s Pcbnew. You may transfer parts round, change the scale and form of the board, and add or take away copper traces.
3. Renaming the Recordsdata
The imported Eagle recordsdata can have the identical names as the unique recordsdata. You may rename the recordsdata by right-clicking on them within the KiCad challenge tree and deciding on the “Rename” possibility.
4. Including a Mission Title
You may add a challenge title to the KiCad challenge by clicking on the “Mission” menu and deciding on the “Mission Properties” possibility. Within the “Mission Properties” dialog, enter a title for the challenge within the “Title” subject.
5. Saving the Mission
After getting made your modifications to the Eagle recordsdata, it can save you the KiCad challenge by clicking on the “File” menu and deciding on the “Save” possibility.
6. Producing Documentation
You may generate documentation to your KiCad challenge by clicking on the “File” menu and deciding on the “Generate Documentation” possibility. The “Generate Documentation” dialog will can help you select the kind of documentation that you just need to generate.
7. Including a Invoice of Supplies (BOM)
You may add a BOM to your KiCad challenge by clicking on the “File” menu and deciding on the “Add BOM” possibility. The “Add BOM” dialog will can help you select the format of the BOM.
8. Operating Design Rule Checks (DRCs)
You may run DRCs in your KiCad challenge by clicking on the “Instruments” menu and deciding on the “Run Design Rule Checks” possibility. The “Run Design Rule Checks” dialog will can help you select the DRC guidelines that you just need to run.
9. Changing the KiCad Mission to a Gerber File
After getting completed designing your PCB format, you’ll be able to convert it to a Gerber file by clicking on the “File” menu and deciding on the “Generate Gerber Recordsdata” possibility. The “Generate Gerber Recordsdata” dialog will can help 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 Recordsdata
1. Save the KiCad Mission File
After importing the Eagle file, save the transformed KiCad challenge file in EESchema or PCBNew format. It will create a brand new challenge folder containing the schematic and PCB format recordsdata.
2. Confirm the Schematic
Open the schematic file (.sch) in EESchema and thoroughly assessment it. Make sure that all parts have been efficiently transferred and that the connections are appropriate.
3. Confirm the PCB Structure
Open the PCB format file (.pcb) in PCBNew and zoom in to examine the format. Examine 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 establish any potential errors or violations. Right 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. Make sure that all nets are correctly linked and that there are not any errors.
6. Generate Gerbers and Drill Recordsdata
As soon as the schematic and format 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 challenge. The BOM lists all parts used within the design and their respective portions and values.
8. Evaluate and Finalize the Recordsdata
Rigorously assessment all generated recordsdata, together with Gerbers, drill recordsdata, and BOM. Make any obligatory changes or corrections earlier than sending them for fabrication.
9. Retailer the KiCad Mission
Save your complete KiCad challenge folder in a safe location. This contains the schematic, format, Gerbers, drill recordsdata, BOM, and every other related documentation.
Methods to Import Eagle Recordsdata to KiCad
KiCad is a free and open-source EDA (digital design automation) software program suite. Eagle is a business EDA software program suite. Each KiCad and Eagle are used to design printed circuit boards (PCBs). If in case you have a design file for a PCB that was created in Eagle, you’ll be able to import it into KiCad to make modifications or to proceed engaged on the design.
To import an Eagle file into KiCad, comply with these steps:
- Open KiCad.
- Click on on the “File” menu and choose “Import”.
- Within the “Import” dialog field, choose the Eagle file that you just need to import.
- Click on on the “Import” button.
KiCad will import the Eagle file and create a brand new challenge for the design. The brand new challenge will include the entire parts and nets from the Eagle file.
Folks Additionally Ask about Methods to Import Eagle Recordsdata to KiCad
How do I open an Eagle file in KiCad?
To open an Eagle file in KiCad, comply with the steps outlined within the “Methods to Import Eagle Recordsdata 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 might not be 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 need to use the “Import” characteristic in KiCad. KiCad will mechanically convert the Eagle file to a KiCad file.
For those who encounter any issues importing an Eagle file into KiCad, attempt the next:
| Error | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Eagle file is just not a legitimate Eagle file | Use a unique Eagle file |
| KiCad is just not capable of import the Eagle file | Replace KiCad to the newest 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 info is accurately 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 (prime) | F.Cu |
| etch (backside) | B.Cu |
| dielectric | F.Masks |
| solder (prime) | F.Paste |
| solder (backside) | B.Paste |
| silk (prime) | F.SilkS |
| silk (backside) | B.SilkS |
| dimension | Dimension |
| person (1-16) | Customized Layers |
Mapping Customized Layers
Eagle recordsdata could 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. Through 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 is just not appropriate to your challenge, 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 fitting.
Further Issues
When mapping Eagle layers to KiCad layers, take into account the next extra factors:
Changing Eagle Schematics to KiCad Schematics
Eagle to KiCad Conversion Script
This technique makes use of a script to transform Eagle schematics to KiCad format. KiCad supplies a Python script that automates the conversion course of. Here is the best way to use it:
