KiCAD 7 PCB Layout in 5 steps

In this video we will make a PCB from scratch with KiCAD 7.
I will use the DIY Digispark USB circuit from a previous video as an example.
and guide you through all the steps:
0:00 Introduction
0:44 Schematic drawing
2:55 Create a custom symbol
4:21 Create custom footprint
6:39 PCB Layout
8:20 Create multi-PCB panel
10:54 Generate Gerber & Drill files & order PCB
12:22 Build & test the circuit.
Links:
Download KiCad7 at: www.kicad.org/download
KiCAD7 manual: docs.kicad.org/7.0/es/pcbnew/...
How to set up DigiSpark USB: • Make your own DigiSpar...
Link to the KiCAD project file (download, unzip, doubleclick .pro files): drive.google.com/file/d/1lvo3...
Note: To use a PCB as USB like this you need to have a total thickness of ~2.2 mm for proper contact. To achieve this you can glue 0.6mm thick material on the back (I cut it from a plastic lid ;-).

[@rustyutb]

WHAT? I just bought a full course of Kicad, then i realized it was out of date... Then i was searching for the missing infromations in the internet and end up here in this video... Just shocked that it contains all informations i needed in only 13 minutes... I'm sad and happy at the same time... ahahhaha

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Yes KiCad is pretty intuitive, you can find many other videos on KZbin about it. For most functions KiCad 6 and 7 are very similar. Happy to hear it was useful for you.

[@diags_1109]

Is this a sponsor ... lmao ... gasp ...😱

[@Noughtta]

This is exactly what I was looking for to get started with KiCAD without all of the filler!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

It was the video I wanted to have when I started using Kicad 😆

[@Dronebotworkshop]

Excellent tutorial, I really enjoyed it!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank you so much! KiCAD is such a great tool, hope this video helps beginners to start using it. By the way, I am a big fan of your channel, always very detailed and professional content.

[@laxmangordon4209]

He's here!!!!

[@njokuchiemezuo3109]

You've done wonders in my electronics journey.

[@billsmith396]

Thank you for boiling down a complex process into a workflow that is easy to follow.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thanks Bill! KiCAD is really easy to use, you just need to start.

[@Sekir80]

@@smartpowerelectronics8779 Thanks for the intro! I was wondering while you did the PCB routing... Does KiCAD not have an autoroute function?

[@ikemkrueger]

@@Sekir80 You have to install a plugin for it.

[@lewisbeauchamp9092]

This might be the best tutorial on KZbin.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thanks Lewis! It is the tutorial I wanted when I started with KiCAD 🙂

[@JamesLehartProductions]

It's actually a terrible tutorial. Here's why: 1 - Speeds up the video missing crucial steps 2 - Does nothing in the way of explaining to the view the reasons behind each step 3 - Missing steps for defining the footprints at J1, J2, D3

[@PrinceWesterburg]

My God, this is actually really easy - I've been putting off using PCB software for 20 years but recently I have genuine need of it and thanks for making this video!

[@kurtamesbury6679]

BRILLIANT SUMMARY! Most tutorials are PAINFULLY SLOW or contain a LOT of unnecessary commentary. They also are not "end to end" process explanations leaving users wondering "What came before?" or "What next?" Your video takes advantage of the fact that it's a VIDEO, not a live lecture - so if someone needs to reference a point that went by a little fast, they just REWIND! I will bookmark this video and refer back to it often. WELL DONE!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank you so much!! Glad to hear it was helpful.

[@gintarasbaranauskas2035]

Well done! Such a complex task explained in 13 minutes.

[@a.modestproposal2038]

Brilliant video. Direct, clear, succinct, and mercifully free of tasteless branding and impertinent background music. ❤

[@mylesmcs0309]

Thank you so much, a great into/refresher in only 13 minutes! Really appreciate the start to finish process in a single concise video

[@FHollis-gw4cc]

Hey, hey, hey! I did it! I have spent hours watching videos trying to figure out how to make a symbol and footprint for a couple of devices. Then I found this video. And I learned it wasn't so hard after all. You, sir, have my greatest gratitude! Thank you so much for this lesson!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

That is so nice to hear!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

I aslo struggled to find simple tutorials, so when I figured it out I made one myself...;-)

[@ad7iradio519]

Terrific Video. Clear, concise, easy to understand.

[@franklydude]

I come back to your video over the last two weeks and my first Kicad PCB design is almost complete, it's also very tiny! Thank you...

[@isaacalonso7249]

Excellent. Short video and straight to the point. Well done!

[@blaketurner9389]

Can just echo all the other comments. Such a concise to the point guide getting started with KiCad7. Thank you as well for clearly highlighting the relevant shortcut keys. Really awesome tutorial. 😊😊

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Wow so happy to hear this, I just start using KiCAD myself and just shared my experience.

[@mirceacluj]

@@smartpowerelectronics8779 see my comment, it's not really like "WOW"

[@boatman323]

As a long time Eagle user this is a really useful short intro to KiCad.

[@xyz87332]

Awesome, this covers every essential thing (no more, no less) to start my first pcb project.

[@kdh1020snu]

Thank you for wonderful video. It is quite helpful to get interested in the area of circuit design!

[@riri06170]

thank you so much for your KiCAD guide video, it really helped me a lot!♡

[@electricbadgercollc8146]

Thank you! Great video for someone like me, who is just getting started with PCB layout.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank you!

[@Foxhood]

Coming from Eagle, i didn't need an entire bare basics session, just a quick run-down from start to finish. For that this is a great tutorial!! Now to start the tedious process of migrating and updating all my libraries. Hard to believe i'm actually making the switch honestly. When i started in 2011: KiCad was a mess and CadSoft Eagle was what i was trained to work with in college. But then CERN got involved with KiCad and Autodesk with Eagle. Now there is a open-source powerhouse while the former champion is slated for deprecation...

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thanks Chiel, yes in the comments I learned that KiCAD came a long way, it is now a pretty good PCB layou package!

[@mr.4o513]

Thank you so much, I haven’t finished the video yet I’m still on create custom foot print, but I’m just starting to get into circuitry and this video has been very helpful on learning how to use kitcad

[@zoran.grujic]

Really short and amazingly complete tutorial. Thank you! Beginners must see!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank you Zoran D. Grujić! I just made the video I wanted to have when I started with KiCAD....

[@gvcallen]

This video is a gold-mine! Perfect for a quick summary of all the steps needed. Thanks a lot!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thx Gary!!

[@Santee2013]

Thanks for the tutorial! I didn't know whether to use Altium, Fritzzing or Eagle. KiCad looks more promising. Cheers again!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thx Santiago, I also changed to KiCAD. it is free and has many functions. Check out my new video about the Autorouter ;-)

[@onlyrgu]

I havent used KidCAD is 10 years, was using Altium and mentor , I need a refresh course form Kicad 8 this video puts me back on track..KiCAD came a long way

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank you onlyrgu, good to hear it was useful 🙂

[@sstorholm]

First KiCAD video I found that shows you exactly what you need to get started when moving over from Eagle! Thanks!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thanks man, great to hear it was helpful!

[@AsemhiaPeter]

please what is eagle

[@sstorholm]

@@AsemhiaPeter Another PCB layout software that used to be good, but not anymore!

[@hb9zcf476]

Great video ! Easy to follow. Congrats.

[@Hansch1986]

Great introduction to KiCad, Thanks!

[@Tokolist]

thank you for perfect kicad quick start guide

[@OIP_1]

thanks for this! i'm coming from EAGLE trying to learn KiCAD and this was a great intro, exactly what i needed.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank you!!

[@victorychibuike2049]

Wow. I hope KiCad acknowledge you for this, you explained like you created the software yourself

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Haha, I sure did not! I just made the video that I wanted to have when I started using KiCAD 🙂 Thank you Victorychibuike2049 .

[@phildegruy9295]

Excellent! tutorial including making a custom part! I'm going to give KiCAD a much more serious look.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Great to hear Phil!

[@geekthesteve6215]

Other than the panelization feedback below I think this is a very well made and useful video. Thanks for publishing such a succinct tutorial.

[@danhtrinh1769]

Excellent video. Straight to the point!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank you! Good to hear 🙂

[@archeraction6012]

Crisp 🎉 Thank you, this is my style of learning. You saved me a lot of time. My family and friends appreciate that. Have an amazing day

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thanks man! Glad to hear you liked my video.

[@MikeHudsontek]

That's great, thanks for making this so concise

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

thx Mike!

[@nikolais3151]

Thank you, I am currently in college this helps a lot keep up the great work.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank you Nikolai! Good luck with your studies.

[@tomgburklin1112]

If others made video like you the world would be in a better place. Thank you for excellent video.

[@DN-yn2wj]

Awesome tutorial!!! Thanks 👍👍👍

[@franktechniek]

Thanks a lot! Sort of the 'hello world ' for C, but now for schematics & pcb design. Very informative!

[@TheLightningStalker]

This video got me started with KiCAD and led me to share my experience in the comments.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Good to hear, KiCad is a great tool.

[@Professzore]

You can easily make a combined footprint of THT and SMD pads, which lets you simplify the design process and the look of the schematics. And it's also a good idea to make ground-plane.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

yes there is a function to make a ground plane, however for this design the frequencies and currents are low, not very critical ;-)

[@fernandolobinho3301]

Great video, very intuitive. thank you

[@Geert890]

Exactly what I needed, thanks!!!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thanks Geert! Mooi te horen!

[@dagspicer7748]

Really nicely done -- thank you!

[@robertoaraiza7434]

Excellent content!

[@brianhambleton9309]

Your videos are a great resource, thank you.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank you Brian!

[@tansungchien974]

thanks for this and save tons of my time learning!!

[@agafonovas]

That was straight to the points 😮

[@swagbort]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@akhromov63]

Thank you for good path description.

[@rays14ful]

amazing video. thank you. this is all i needed.

[@fparisi]

you helped me fall in love with kicad

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank fparis, I am actually a new user too, used EasyEDA before, but preferred to have all data locally. it is a great tool!

[@donaldklopper]

Wow this helps to demystify some of the Kicad workflow.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thanks Donald!

[@jregns]

Great tutorial, thanks! Now I just need to figure out what to build. ☺

[@christophershelton8155]

Great video! I loved how it wasn't too long but included the fundamentals needed for beginners. Thanks!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank you Christopher! Glad you liked it.

[@gregorypaul0]

Great tutorial. Keep the good work!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thanks a lot Gregory Paul!

[@mpicuser]

Thank you for this video! New sub.

[@gcfaas]

Precies wat ik nodig had, thanks!

[@V_Electronics]

Amazing explanation!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thanks, good to hear it was helpful

[@hankhulator5007]

Hi, very nice and neat presentation that approaches all KiCAD modules without fuss :)

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

thank you so much!

[@hankhulator5007]

@@smartpowerelectronics8779 You are welcome, this exercise was tough to keep straight, short and still didactic.

[@OMNI_INFINITY]

Thanks for posting that tutorial! Solder paste and a hot air soldering station are recommended.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Yep, hand-soldering with SO8 is still possible, but messy ;-)

[@viktarsamuel586]

Thanks for the very informative video.

[@jkRatbird]

absolute tutorial perfection.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thanks !

[@cesarhernandezcinfo]

Excellent tutorial, Thank you.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

You are welcome!

[@andymouse]

Very nice! I especially liked the panalization technique...cheers.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thanks, this way you can also send out several different pcb's in one go ;-)

[@p_mouse8676]

Cheese! 😉😎

[@andymouse]

@@p_mouse8676 Squeak !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@subbareddychavva]

Thank you for the great tutorial.

[@bonsaisonixnet]

Superb - thank you Mr. T

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank you !

[@warrenking1815]

Thank you for such a good video about kicad.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank you ! 🙂

[@Gotenham]

Great tutorial, thanks!

[@anilmalik6275]

You have explained very well 👌👍 thank you sir

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@omskariyazmaraikayer913]

excellent video. Thanks. Design Graveyard no!. You have resurrected my interest in PCB design

[@OMGWTFBBQSHEEP]

Really enjoyed this!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

thanks! 🙂

[@rembrandtes]

perfect explanation step by step ..

[@ikemkrueger]

That was to the point. Top!

[@stefankrimbacher7917]

Great video. Want to start now with KiCad 8.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Yes KiCAD8 is out, I did not try it yet. KiCAD 7 was very similar to KiCAD6, I saw some KiCAD8 Videos and it seems the basics are the same 🙂

[@aravindmaddini6348]

very nice video ..perfect to start

[@stevewithnell911]

Brilliant, thank you.

[@philaesfarewell]

Great small tutorial

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thanks man, hope it helped you starting to use KiCAD !

[@user-nd7ys7vf3w]

this was very helpful

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank you!

[@txkflier]

I have designed and had PCB’s made using Fritzing. You might have me switching to KiCad now. Thanks!

[@ebenezerabiodun8651]

This is nice job

[@JeffSichoe]

thanks i'm just learning but this was very helpful

[@user-iq1bn6fr3f]

Thanks a lot ❤

[@ismailfaruqi1667]

SUPER NICE! 👍

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Glad to be of help, this is the video I wanted when I started with KiCAD 🙂

[@stephanc7192]

I enjoyed the video

[@MaximusMark]

Amazing

[@talesfromthearchive9008]

Thanks for this video

[@kamleshpanchal8661]

sir, nice teaching, thanks

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank you😀

[@felixfigueroa]

Good job..!

[@brady_bauer2518]

thank you!

[@PhG1961]

Excellent!!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thx Philip 🙂

[@TheStuartstardust]

Really good paced tutorial! 👌👍 Could you add how to prepare for ie. jlcpcb manufacturing - like bom list prepare or generation?

[@silnyye4403]

Up.

[@samirhvac2331]

perfect ,, amazing

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Good to hear you liked it.

[@skostasx]

Bu güzel eğitim için teşekkür ederim.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

You are welcome!

[@galalahmedfahmy5482]

very good, best regards

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Good to hear that you like it!

[@vidhyadhar64]

Nice Video.. Keep it up..

[@k.oldewurtel4261]

I love this video! Precise, fast and all relevant subjects are mentioned to help a newbie in KiCad 7 like me. Is there any information regarding symbols connecting to 3D models? THX Kassen

[@Myviolist]

Dear Sir, this is by far the most well presented tutorial on how to use KiCad along with a practical example. I'm a recent graduate with electrical background. I decided to chase PCB design career. If you offer any tips/ pieces of advice for young adults/ and engineers on how to get good at this profession, that would be so kind. I made the circuit and can't wait to test it.

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

Thank you for your kind words, to become good at PCB layout I suggest you get familiar with the famous software packages and practice. Learning electronics basics is also very important because your main "customers" will be electronic engineers so it is key to speak their language. The requirements are different per industry, so you may need to pick a direction. Power supply or lighting (my specialty) has different requirements than digital design (phone/android box etc) . Wish you good luck and much fun in your career!

[@smartpowerelectronics8779]

My major is power electronics, if would start now I would go for software (embedded or application all is ok). For PCB layout, suggest to get familiar with more systems and some analog electronics so you can imagine what the design engineer needs. Please consider (my opinion) that PCB layout engineer is a quite narrow field with job stability but not many career options.