Must have KiCad 9 Plugins for PCB Designers | Part 1 | KiCad 9 Beginners tutorial

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on essential KiCad 9 plugins for PCB designers. These plugins enhance functionality and streamline your design process in KiCad, making it easier to create high-quality printed circuit boards.

Step 1: How to Install Plugins

To get started with KiCad plugins, follow these steps to install them properly:

1. Open KiCad: Launch the KiCad application on your computer.
2. Access the Plugin Manager:
   • Navigate to the top menu and select Preferences.
   • Choose Plugin and Content Manager.
3. Search for Plugins: In the Plugin Manager, browse through the available plugins.
4. Install a Plugin:
   • Click on the desired plugin.
   • Follow the prompts to install it.
5. Restart KiCad: After installation, close and reopen KiCad to enable the newly installed plugins.

Step 2: Install the Interactive HTML BOM Plugin

The Interactive HTML BOM plugin allows you to create a Bill of Materials (BOM) in an interactive HTML format.

1. Locate the Plugin: Search for "Interactive HTML BOM" in the Plugin Manager.
2. Install the Plugin: Follow the installation steps as outlined in Step 1.
3. Generate HTML BOM:
   • Open your project in KiCad.
   • Select Tools > Generate Bill of Materials.
   • Choose the Interactive HTML format and follow the prompts to generate the BOM.

Step 3: Install the KiKit Panelizer Plugin

KiKit Panelizer helps in designing panels for PCB assembly.

1. Find the Plugin: Look for "KiKit Panelizer" in the Plugin Manager.
2. Install the Plugin: Use the installation method described in Step 1.
3. Use the Panelizer:
   • Open your PCB design.
   • Access the panelization feature through the KiKit menu.
   • Configure the settings as per your requirements to create a panelized design.

Step 4: Install the Place Footprints Plugin

This plugin simplifies the placement of footprints on your PCB layout.

1. Search for the Plugin: Find "Place Footprints" in the Plugin Manager.
2. Install the Plugin: Follow the installation steps from Step 1.
3. Utilize the Plugin:
   • Open your PCB layout.
   • Use the Place Footprints tool to easily add components to your design.

Step 5: Install the Rounded Tracks Plugin

The Rounded Tracks plugin enhances the aesthetics and performance of your PCB layout by allowing rounded track edges.

1. Locate the Plugin: Search for "Rounded Tracks" in the Plugin Manager.
2. Install the Plugin: Follow the same method as in previous steps.
3. Apply Rounded Tracks:
   • In your PCB layout, select the routing tool.
   • Enable rounded tracks and adjust the parameters as needed for your design.

Step 6: Install the Free Routing Plugin

Free Routing provides advanced routing options for complex PCB designs.

1. Find the Plugin: Look for "Free Routing" in the Plugin Manager.
2. Install the Plugin: Use the installation process from Step 1.
3. Use Free Routing:
   • Open your PCB project.
   • Activate the Free Routing tool to improve your routing efficiency.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we covered the must-have KiCad 9 plugins for PCB designers, including installation procedures and practical applications for each plugin. By integrating these tools into your KiCad workflow, you can enhance your PCB design process significantly. Next, explore additional tutorials on KiCad to further your skills and knowledge in PCB design.