i am using version 9 and when using the models section of footprint properties panel there is a + sign or a folder to select the step model. neither choice lets me find the sytep file as it limits the folders available to be searched. is there a way to be able to search all my file locations from the 3D add interface?
The button marked red should be able to do that. But is limited to local drives only.
Best is to use a common folder for all your 3D models and set that as a path like the ${KICAD9_3DMODEL_DIR}. You can specify your own path for custom models.
Note that 3D models are not stored in the PCB file and thus the 3D model files must always exist at the correct location.
If you press the “+” button and then the “Folder” button in the grid row, a normal system dialog will appear:
In 9.0, the models can be embedded.
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I have not found this to be the case if the quoted text is referring only to drives on the same computer that is running Kicad. All of my symbols, footprints, and 3d models are stored on a NAS but that NAS is on the local network.
Kicad 9.0.1
Fedora 42
If you mount the NAS to a local folder, you can access your 3D models from KiCad.
Cool, I did not know that was new in KiCad 9. That is cool, it will make designs more easier to share. Thanks for the info.