I’ve recently converted a project from Eagle to KiCad 9.0. Both the PCB and schematic were imported successfully with most details preserved. However, the 3D models did not come through with the conversion, and I’m not sure how to import them correctly.
Since I have almost no experience with Eagle, I’m not sure where the original 3D models could be linked.
Can anyone guide me on how to import the 3D models in KiCad, and not having to assign them one by one manually?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
If you open the footprint properties in the PCB, do you see the 3D model?
Is there a path and file name defined? And is that matching with the location and file name of the model?
Thank you for your reply.
No, there is no path/file assigned to none of the components; and that’s why I have assumed that no 3d model is actually imported from Eagle.
As I have explained earlier, in my first message, I am not experienced at Eagle.
But with a quick search, the answer to your question would be “not directly”.
Can you please explain, how could the question and the answer help me to find the solution?
Thank you.
I have imported a few eagle projects into KiCad, mostly to try out whether the importer works, and I’ve helped a guy who was interested in switching to KiCad, but apprehensive about the conversion process.
The raw import worked quite well for me too, but I prefer a more native KiCad look, KiCad does have built in options to replace symbols with native KiCad symbols, and to update old footprints with other footprints. If you update to native KiCad footprints, then all updated footprints which have a KiCad footprint will also show the 3D models.
KiCad is also strongly going towards rounded pads (an IPC recommendation because it improves manufacturability)
Thank you for your reply!
Yes, your explanation makes perfect sense and seems to resolve many issues!
However, if the user is reluctant to modify the footprints — due to upcoming changes that will probably affect how the pads and PCB will appear in the real world and actually differ from the previous version — then unfortunately 3d models may be uploaded manually.
Also, I have seen this in your other posts too:
Can you guide me through (or refer me to a link on) how can nonKiCad symbols be converted to native KiCad symbols “with just a few mouse clicks”? I qoute.
