Hello, I would like to know if there is a possibility to change the naming of the components, but update the new footprint on the Kicad PCB without the need to delete the old components in the same location.
What do you understand under component name?
I want to add a component with reference after made the layout. But I dont would like to change all the layout. I want rename all the components.
First step make a backup.
Then re annotate (change your references)
Export the netlist
Import the netlist with settings:
Footprint selection: timestamp
Exchange footprints: i would start with keep, if it does not work try change
Extra footprints: delete (you can also try keep)
The import settings might need some experimentation.