I think there could be a small improvement in re-using schematic sheets. Provided there is not yet a way for what I would like to see
What I do now in Kicad
Usually when I want to re-use a sheet from another project, I have to draw a new sheet box and insert a schematic of choise. I think atleast that this is the common way to do this right?
However, some sheets are already have a nice shape and have hierachial sheet pins. Such as your average LDO. I would like to not only re-use the content of the sheet, but the sheet itself as well.
Things you can do as Kicad is now.
This ofourse can already be done as Kicad it is now. But it is quite cumbersome.
I first have to open the project I want to re-use a or several sheets from. Than I must select them and hit Ctrl - C.
Than I go back to my working project, and I hit Ctrl - V. This always gives me this error.
The last thing I have to do, is to open the sheet and do what I described in step 2 of the first picture, ‘insert schematic sheet content’. That works but again it is cumbersome IMO.
The things which bug me about this:
- If I want to re-use a sheet like I described above. I have to open a 2nd kicad instance and manually copy the sheet. I’d prefer not having to do this.
- That error is (though a very valid error) annoying in this particular case. This error can be easily bypassed by first copying the schematic files to your folder using the explorer or terminal. But may it be obvious that that is even more work than simply clicking it away and use the ‘insert schematic sheet content’.)
My proposed improvement
What I think I could be a convenient addition is the extra option underneath: ‘insert schematic sheet content’. Named: “insert schematic sheet”. (so just the same minus ‘content’). OR an improved functionality with this one
The idea is that you can use this option from your root/parent sheet. So in order
1). You click the button: ‘insert/add schematic sheet’. This opens a file selection window.
2). You just search for your schematic file you want to use. Like you normally do.
3). When you select your schematic file, not only will it be copied to your working folder, but you will also get the corresponding sheet with the same shape, properties and the same hierarchial sheet pins attached to your mouse cursor ready for you to find a nice place for it in your working schematic.
I ofcourse have no idea how others feel about this or if this is possible at all.
Kind regards,
Bas