It is your decision how you organize your work. KiCad is flexible.
Using Protel 3 (1997-2017) we were using only our own symbols and footprints. At the end I was the only one using Protel and when moved to KiCad I just copied the way of working form Protel.
We were always using only global libraries and containing only elements accepted to be used. The argument behind it was that it helped to control to not use unneeded new (resistor/capacitor) values (our semi-automatic assembling machine had limited number of drawers and the less global number of used elements the easier the work).
I had never such doubts. I have organized my KiCad directories before I have designed my first schematic and PCB.
And since always (since DOS times) I have all ‘my’ files at D: while all ‘not my’ files at C:. During years it helped me two or three times. Last time 2 months ago. Suddenly Windows had some problems (icons in bottom line were not visible, but working). I was able to reset Windows to beginning state without touching my files at D:
I’m not sure how far you have progressed with Kicad, so forgive me if I assume too much or too little. This is a link to a FAQ explaining Global personal libraries. It is best to create some first then place symbols or footprints in them at your leisure.
I use global libraries especially for jelly bean symbols and footprints.
An example: My global personal resistor symbol library has many different footprints attached to the one symbol. Rs402, Rs603, Rs805, Rt .3, Rt.4, Rt.7 etc. Rs = SMDs and Rt = THTs.
This saves me having to attach footprints after the symbol has been selected. Now there is the symbol fields table, I don’t know if I would bother if I was starting from scratch.
Also, for me, the Kicad symbol library “Device” is a pain in the butt; too much scrolling. Having separate libraries for Resistors, Caps, Electros, Transistors (each with their six versions); several connector and IC libraries etc. saves wear on the RH index finger and scroll wheel.
Saving Kicad library parts to personal libraries is very easy. Open the appropriate editor, scroll to and right cliick the part needed, click “save as”, select the personal library in which you want the part placed, rename if you wish and save. Now the part is in your personal library ready to use or modify.
Rather than building new symbols or footprints from scratch, I will find something similar in a Kicad library, move it to a personal library and then modify to suit.
Anyway, as that old cat above wrote: You should find the way that suits you.
I certainly don’t consider myself an expert! I focus more on results than the tools to get there, and KiCAD is a tool to make tools. The farther removed I am from the end result, the more “hacky” I get.
Thanks! I skimmed through it once, and it looks good. I’ll have to look at it more closely when I’m home again. There’s a bit of link-rot though: the KLC reference goes to a rules page that has been withdrawn now.
