I want a custom layer to represent the outline of an enclosure (to adjust the outline of the PCB to the enclosure and get the mounting holes, connectors, etc. in the right place). I can create that custom layer in the PCB editor, but not in the footprint editor. Is that intended?
I want the enclosure as a footprint so I can re-use it for different projects and I don’t run the risk of accidentally messing up the lines of the enclosure.
My first thought was that this is intentional. In the footprint editor, it’s unknown what extra layers are being used in a project, and therefore a footprint can not use them.
However, apparently you can use: Footprint Editor / File / Footprint Properties / Private Layers, and click on the + to add layers. I have not used this function, I assume these are intended to make notes for footprints only and items on these layers are not visible (or even exist?) when the footprint is placed on the PCB.
Euhm, also… User.1 through User.9 are usable in the footprint editor. I’m guessing (again) that items on these layers are visible in the PCB editor (unless the layer is marked as private and will be on the “same” layer, even if that layer is renamed. Renaming layers in the footprint editor would not make sense, it would make the PCB layer names dependent on the order in which footprints are loaded. The layers are fixed. You can rename layers, but not create new layers.
Alternatively, you can use the standard layers such as F.Fab. B.Fab or User.Drawings. To me, User.Drawings seems the most logical layer for this.
A completely different approach is to draw the PCB outline and graphics for the enclosure in the PCB editor, and save that project as a template to start other projects from.
You can use a dummy footprint with graphics on a standard layer.
You can create a special “enclosure” footprint with:
All mechanical lines (for outline, holes, cutouts) drawn on allowed layers like F.Fab, User.1, or Eco1.User.
Reference-only graphics, not pads.
Mounting holes as pads (if desired), which will still show up in drills.
