Importing Eagle recordsdata into KiCad is usually a daunting job, however it’s attainable with the appropriate 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 most typical is to make use of a third-party converter device resembling 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 shall be positioned in a brand new mission, and you’ll then start enhancing them in KiCad.
There are a number of issues to bear in mind when importing Eagle recordsdata into KiCad. First, the 2 applications use completely different coordinate methods. In Eagle, the origin is positioned on the backside left nook of the board, whereas in KiCad the origin is positioned on the prime left nook. This could result in confusion when putting elements, so you will need to concentrate on the distinction. Second, KiCad doesn’t assist all the options which are accessible in Eagle. Because of this among the options in your Eagle design will not be preserved if you import it into KiCad. Lastly, KiCad makes use of a distinct set of libraries than Eagle. This implies that you could be want to seek out new libraries for among the elements in your Eagle design.
Regardless of these challenges, importing Eagle recordsdata into KiCad is feasible. By following the steps outlined above, you may 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 may want to put in KiCad, an open-source EDA suite, and the Eagle Import plugin that means that you can 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 most recent secure launch to your working system.
2. **Set up KiCad**: Comply with 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 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 Package deal 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 want handbook configuration |
| Package deal Supervisor Set up | Really helpful for ease of use and future updates |
Configuring KiCad to Learn Eagle Recordsdata
To configure KiCad to learn Eagle recordsdata, you have to to put in the Eagle2KiCad extension. This extension could 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 out the “Eagle2KiCad” extension from the record of obtainable 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 feature specifies the trail to the eagle2kicad executable. The eagle2kicad executable is positioned within the KiCad set up listing.
Eagle Model
This feature specifies the model of Eagle that you’re utilizing. The Eagle model could 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 shall be created in the course of the import course of.
| Possibility | 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 shall 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 identify 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 shall be displayed within the KiCad PCB editor.
- 4. Troubleshooting
- Just be sure you are utilizing the most recent model of KiCad.
- Guarantee that the Eagle file is a sound Eagle file.
- Strive importing the Eagle file into a brand new KiCad mission.
- In case you are nonetheless having issues, you may ask for assistance on the KiCad boards.
- Eagle’s “board” layer just isn’t a bodily layer in KiCad, however fairly represents the define of the PCB.
- KiCad doesn’t assist Eagle’s “dimension” layer sort. Dimensions must be transferred manually or utilizing a separate device.
- Eagle’s “consumer” 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 may 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 handbook conversion, contemplate the next ideas:
Difficulty 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 device to manually appropriate the pin assignments. File Hierarchy Variations KiCad represents schematics in another way than Eagle. Manage your KiCad mission accordingly. Changing Eagle PCBs to KiCad PCBs
Importing Eagle PCB designs into KiCad permits for seamless integration and additional growth. 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 resembling “PCB2KiCad” or “Eagle2KiCad.” These instruments present the mandatory performance to translate Eagle recordsdata into KiCad-compatible codecs.
2. Put together the Eagle Recordsdata
Be certain that the Eagle recordsdata are clear and correct. Take away any pointless layers or elements that will 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, resembling models and grid dimension, to match your necessities.
5. Repair Part Footprints
The conversion course of might not all the time completely recreate element footprints. Examine and regulate any footprints that don’t match the unique Eagle design.
6. Re-route Tracks
Some tracks might require rerouting because of variations within the routing algorithms between Eagle and KiCad. Use the “Route Tracks” function to manually regulate the observe structure.
7. Examine and Validate the Design
Completely examine the transformed design for any errors or inconsistencies. Validate the design utilizing KiCad’s built-in design rule checker and make essential modifications.
Error Varieties Attainable Causes Troubleshooting Steps Lacking elements Elements not included within the Eagle file Add lacking elements to the Eagle file earlier than conversion Incorrect footprints Conversion utility error or Footprint library mismatch Examine and manually regulate 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 could be edited in KiCad’s Eeschema. You’ll be able to add or take away elements, change the connections between elements and edit the textual content on the schematic.
2. Enhancing the PCB Structure
The PCB structure could be edited in KiCad’s Pcbnew. You’ll be able to transfer elements round, change the scale and form of the board, and add or take away copper traces.
3. Renaming the Recordsdata
The imported Eagle recordsdata could 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” choice.
4. Including a Mission Title
You’ll be able to add a mission title to the KiCad mission by clicking on the “Mission” menu and deciding on the “Mission Properties” choice. Within the “Mission Properties” dialog, enter a title for the mission within the “Title” area.
5. Saving the Mission
Upon getting made your modifications to the Eagle recordsdata, it can save you the KiCad mission by clicking on the “File” menu and deciding on the “Save” choice.
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” choice. The “Generate Documentation” dialog will mean you can select the kind of documentation that you just 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” choice. The “Add BOM” dialog will mean you can select the format of the BOM.
8. Operating 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” choice. The “Run Design Rule Checks” dialog will mean you can select the DRC guidelines that you just need to run.
9. Changing the KiCad Mission to a Gerber File
Upon getting completed designing your PCB structure, you may convert it to a Gerber file by clicking on the “File” menu and deciding on the “Generate Gerber Recordsdata” choice. The “Generate Gerber Recordsdata” dialog will mean you can select the settings for the Gerber recordsdata.
Possibility 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 mission file in EESchema or PCBNew format. This can 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 thoroughly evaluate it. Be certain that all elements have been efficiently transferred and that the connections are appropriate.
3. Confirm the PCB Structure
Open the PCB structure file (.pcb) in PCBNew and zoom in to examine the structure. Examine the positions and orientations of elements, 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. Be certain that all nets are correctly related and that there aren’t any errors.
6. Generate Gerbers and Drill Recordsdata
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 elements used within the design and their respective portions and values.
8. Assessment and Finalize the Recordsdata
Fastidiously evaluate all generated recordsdata, together with Gerbers, drill recordsdata, and BOM. Make any essential changes or corrections earlier than sending them for fabrication.
9. Retailer the KiCad Mission
Save your entire KiCad mission folder in a safe location. This consists of the schematic, structure, 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 industrial EDA software program suite. Each KiCad and Eagle are used to design printed circuit boards (PCBs). When you have a design file for a PCB that was created in Eagle, you may import it into KiCad to make modifications 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 just 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 elements 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, observe the steps outlined within the “Methods to Import Eagle Recordsdata to KiCad” part above.
Can I edit Eagle recordsdata in KiCad?
Sure, you may edit Eagle recordsdata in KiCad. Nonetheless, some options of Eagle recordsdata will not be supported in KiCad. For instance, KiCad doesn’t assist Eagle’s “ratsnest” function.
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” function in KiCad. KiCad will routinely convert the Eagle file to a KiCad file.
In the event you encounter any issues importing an Eagle file into KiCad, attempt the next:
| Error | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Eagle file just isn’t a sound Eagle file | Use a distinct Eagle file |
| KiCad just isn’t 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 (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 |
| consumer (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 may create customized layers in KiCad with matching names. Throughout the import course of, KiCad will routinely map the customized Eagle layers to the newly created KiCad layers.
Remapping Layers
If the default layer mapping just isn’t appropriate to your mission, you may manually remap layers. To do that, open the “Layer Mapping” dialog within the KiCad import plugin. Right here, you may choose the Eagle layer on the left and assign the corresponding KiCad layer on the appropriate.
Extra Issues
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. Here is easy methods to use it:
