Hi,
One of the features I used to use in KiCad 4 was “automatically place all footprints”
This is something only visible under the non-OpenGL canvas (F9)
With the Mode Footprint button turned on
I’ve noticed with KiCad 5 (night-lies) I think it defaults to OpenGL mode
if I switch across to the older canvas with F9
If I use Right Click -> Lock Footprint
The footprint never locks (normally I use for connectors)
If I use Right Click -> Global Spread and Place -> Automatically Place all footprints
nothing happens (I have already placed everything within an edge cut box)
I suspect this might be something that was taken out but never replaced
For anyone else interested I’ve discovered that the latest version of freeroute comes with the download / install of layouteditor https://www.layouteditor.com/#download
Still hunting for a replacement auto place tool though
Locking is still in there in the OpenGL mode, but you ether have to use the L hotkey, or right click into the footprint properties
This is also another option since it seems to import dsn’s and export session files https://www.eremex.com/products/topor/
although the lite version is limited to 2 layers