Greetings, first post here.
I’m just getting started in electronics as a hobby and would like to replicate some PCB’s from an old stereo amplifier. I have extensive AutoCad experience (20 years) and can easily draw schematics.
My question is, can I import a dwg or dxf file into KiCad ?
Thanks in advance.
Not really.
You can import DXF as a graphic object, but that’s not useful for a schematic.
You need to redraw your schematic in Kicad - it has all information necessary to make a correct layout.
Okay, got it, thanks for the response
I don’t think so.
However I’m no expert, you coud try looking into Freecad and the Kicad workbench but don’t hold your breath form success.
In cannot stress enough that you NEED to construct a schematic in Kicad to reap any of its benefits to be honest and you will also have access to circuit simulation by doing so.
It was wishful thinking on my part, I dread the thought of learning to draw in a different program since AutoCad has been my go-to graphics software
Drawing schematics is pretty easy. Choose symbols, draw wires. The challenge is making sure the footprints are correct, but you need to do that anyway. The schematic is a database of connections, and that is something that a mere drawing doesn’t have.
You can also use: Schematic Editor / File / Import Graphics import an DXF drawing into the schematic editor. Such a drawing can also be scaled (to approximately the same size of parts as the KiCad symbols themselves use) and then you can draw a real KiCad schematic over the drawing, and then delete the DXF once you’ve replicated it. It’s still manual labor, but it’'s better then nothing, and more automation of schematic import is unlikely to be implemented.
For the PCB it’s similar, but you can use a bit more automation. Imported lines from DXF files can be converted into copper tracks. This does not work with footprints, but as most footprints can simply be put onto the PCB from libraries, this is also a fairly quick process.
But start with the schematic, then assign footprints to the schematic symbols before starting on the PCB. Take some time to learn how KiCad works. Do a few dummy projects, with the only intent to learn KiCad before you start on real project. Read the documentation. (It really is quite usable)
Hi,
I too have used AutoCAD forever, well since R.14 around 1997. Don’t worry about learning KiCAD, the two programs only similarity is they both run on a computer!
AutoCAD has always been an upward climb to do anything, as it has evolved it has only got worse (and overpriced)
I started with KiCAD in late January this year, the learning curve exists but it is nothing like learning AutoCAD.
Watch a few YouTube videos and you’ll grasp the basics fairly quickly, I recommend a channel called Phils Lab.
Good luck!
Thanks for the responses. I’ll give KiCad a shot
Back around 1994 I designed an electronic load pcb using AutoCad. That version of AutoCad ran under DOS. My computer was a generic desktop unit with an 80386 processor and math coprocessor. I think I had 2 MB of RAM. It originally had a 48 MB Seagate HDD, and 3.5 and 5-1/4 inch FDDs.
Of course Autocad is NOT EDA, so any association between the schematic and my pcb layout relied on my brain…