Correct use of Image converter

Schematic Library Symbols
1

Hello.
I need to take an image (BMP, PNG, JPG,… I can have and convert to-from any format), easy, simple, good to BW low detail print. Like a LOGO.
That image should be saved in order to be used as symbol for schematic, as copper in copper layer, as silk in silkscreen and basically “AS IS” in every available layer.
I can open the picture with image editor, manage it to have BW let’s say 5x5mm size, but I cannot save it into a library file. When i save it, from file explorer i can see the file, but i cannot open it and use it from Symbol or footprint editor, neither from schematic or PCB editor, because the symbol browser does not show that file
What Am I doing wrong? KICAD 8. But i have same problem with 9.
Thanks.

image
image822×734 19.3 KB

1 Like
2

Addendum. I choose Footprint and then export to file

3

That exports to a MOD file . . . I think you have to add this to a Footprint library of your choice or a new library.

You can import the MOD file as a new footprint . . .
image

image
image770×264 12.7 KB

4

I did try several times with no result. It seems that i cannot put the image into a copper layer.

5

It worked for me . . .

image
image1054×396 15.5 KB

6

I did see something new… Maybe I am on the way to solution. Need to test… I’ll keep you posted. Thanks so far.

1 Like
7

Back again.

Making an image as a footprint, to be placed in copper layer ok, no problem.

Adding a graphic to a schematic symbol a little more complex.

I do not find an option to add directly a symbol to another symbol.

What works quite easy is this:

  1. I create a “Jolly” symbol in which there is the graphic converted by image converter and i save it.
  2. i create a “new” symbol doing what I need.
  3. I open the jolly and i “CNTRL-C” the graphic
  4. I “CNTRL-V” the clipboard into the new.
  5. I save the new, and also the Jolly for next use.

Does anyone have a more efficient way to?

Thanks.

8

Does anyone have a more efficient way to?

There is the button “export to clipboard” in the image converter. After using that button you can paste that clipboard content into a already open symbol. This avoids steps 1+3 of your description. Note that the choosen output format must match.

9

If you are importing an actual image/logo, it’s much much better to make an SVG and then use the import graphics function in the PCB editor or schematic editor.