ChatGPT user assistance

[Tonyh]

As a first time user I was having trouble
with importing footprints. The user document was, as normal, ignored. In desperation I resorted to a question in ChatGPT and received a four paragraph summation that was brilliant. NO problems now!

[BobZ]

Your post seems a bit intriguing but also vague. Can you do a couple of things?

1. Help>about>copy version info and paste that into your next post
2. Also include whatever ChatGPT said? I understand that “information” from AI can often be misinformation and I have seen that for myself from Google.

[jmk]

If that source of information fails you in the future, there is always the good ol’ standby https://docs.kicad.org/ to which you can resort.

[Tonyh]

How to import new foot prints in to Kicad
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT

To import new footprints into KiCad, follow these steps:

1. Obtain the Footprints

   Download the footprint files, typically in the .mod or .kicad_mod format, or in a .pretty directory (a folder containing multiple footprint files).
   Check that the downloaded files are compatible with your version of KiCad.

2. Add the Footprints to a Library

KiCad organizes footprints in libraries, which are essentially .pretty folders. You can either add the footprints to an existing library or create a new library.
Option 1: Add to an Existing Library

Locate the directory of your existing footprint library:
    Open the PCB Layout Editor (Pcbnew).
    Go to Preferences > Configure Paths to see the library paths.
Copy the downloaded .kicad_mod files into the .pretty folder of the desired library.

Option 2: Create a New Library

Open the PCB Layout Editor (Pcbnew).
Go to Preferences > Footprint Libraries Manager.
Click "Append Library" (the plus icon).
Choose Project-Specific or Global (all projects).
Select the downloaded .pretty folder or create a new library folder for the footprints.
Click OK to save.

3. Link the Library in KiCad

To use the imported library, ensure it’s linked in your project.

Open Pcbnew.
Go to Preferences > Footprint Libraries Manager.
Check that your new library is listed:
    If not, click Add Library (folder icon) and navigate to the location of the .pretty folder.
    Assign a nickname to the library for easy reference.
Save the changes.

4. Verify and Use the Footprints

   Open the Footprint Editor (Tools > Footprint Editor).
   Select your new library from the library list on the left.
   Browse the library to verify the imported footprints.
   Assign the footprints to your components:
   In Eeschema, right-click a component, choose Properties > Edit Symbol, and assign the new footprint in the Footprint field.
   Alternatively, use Tools > Assign Footprints in Eeschema to batch-assign footprints.

5. Optional: Test the Footprints

   Place the footprint on a test PCB layout to verify its dimensions, pin assignments, and design.

This process allows you to import and start using new footprints effectively in KiCad.

[jmk]

There is inaccurate and imprecise information in the chat reply.
I very much doubt a “First time user” would be able to use the provided information to reach their goal.