Two Approaches that work…
Approach 1 (using DXF’s):
1). Draw your lines in whatever program you want (I used FreeCad for this example but have also used Inkscape).
• Export as DXF
2). In Kicad’s main panel, Click the Footprint Tool
Start a new Footprint (with or, without using Pads. Two different Icons for this choice).
After naming it, File>Import Outline From DXF
• Use the defaults or, Set Scale, Layer, line Width. Can’t set for Copper Layers - see next step
• Save it. It creates a yourfile.MOD (it’s just a .txt file)
3). Using any TextEditor (use unicode UTF-8 font, Not Rich Text)
• Open the .MOD file
• You’ll see the lines are on the Layer that you selected in step #2 (let’s assume layer “Dwgs.User”). Replace All “Dwgs.User” with (for example)“B.Cu”
• Save it.
~ Done ~ now use it like any other footprint
Approach 2 (using PNG’s or Jpeg’s):
1). Make your lines in any Graphic program, save as .PNG (or Jpeg, BMP…etc)
2). In Kicad’s main panel, Click the BMPeditor Tool
• Load the PNG or other (yes, it does load Jpeg, PNG, BMP…)
• Adjust settings for best quality
• Set desired output layer
• Export it. It creates a yourfile.MOD
3). Same as Step #3, above
~ Done ~
Screenshot of of .MOD file being edited…
Results
