Convert a footprint in another CAD to KICAD

[davidepini72]

I have a question: I would convert a footprint realized in a different CAD to a footprint in KiCad (I use KiCad with Linux, I don’t Know if KiCad works also for Windows).How can I do it?
Do it exist a software to download to do it? I Know Library Loader but it is only for windows…

[Piotr]

@davidepini72

I don’t Know if KiCad works also for Windows

Yes it works. I use KiCad 5.1.10 with Windows 7.
KiCad 5.99 needs Windows 10.

If you have to convert many footprints than searching for tool is justified, but you write about one footprint. I think for one it will be just faster to define it manually.
In 2017 I decided to move from Protel to KiCad. I had about 400 footprints defined in Protel. Now in KiCad I have at least 200. I used that movement to change my footprints from being based on mils to being based on mm. I copy footprints manually rounding dimensions from mils to milimeters.

[davidepini72]

And how can I create a footprint in KICAD?
What do I have to do? I use KICAD occasionally and I am not very skilled

[paulvdh]

There are quite a lot of tutorals in the FAQ section of this forum. One of them is:

Tutorial: How to make a footprint in KiCad 5.1.x?

Disclaimer: Screenshots taken in a nightly from after the 5.0.0-rc2 tag. (KiCad 5 will look very similar but there will be slight differences in KiCad 4) The official docu gives a few hints about how kicads footprint editor works. Other FAQ articles worth reading: What is the difference between footprints and symbols? How does KiCad know which symbol pin represents which pad of the footprint? Creating a new footprint library Tutorial: How to check footprint correctness? (Workaround for missi…

[Piotr]

@davidepini72

And how can I create a footprint in KICAD?

Each KiCad footprint is a file and footprint library is a directory. So you can manage them using file manager.
Make directory MyLibrary.pretty. You need to add that library to list of your libraries.
That things you should do even you have a program to convert footprint you have.
Now search KiCad library for footprint that is close to what you plan to do and copy it into your library (copy a file with file manager).
Open a tool to edit footprints (one of first 4 tools when you run KiCad). Find your library and open the footprint you just copied.
Now try to edit each element of it. Right-click, Double-click - I don’t remember but there is nothing wrong in just trying what works. Editing footprints is much, much simpler than designing PCB.

[davidepini72]

Excuse me, but I don’t succeed to create a new directory. Where do I have to go?
DO I have to go in “File” in project.pro? But There isn’t the voice add a library? Or am I wrong in the route? Could you say me step by step how can I create a footprint?
Thank you

[eelik]

It’s possible to create a directory/folder with a file manager, but you don’t have to. Everything can be done in KiCad. Paul already pointed to the FAQ tutorial. Did you try that? It has a section which links to another article: Creating a new footprint library. Make sure you scroll down the page and read the follow-up posts, especially Creating a new footprint library.