Eeschema - Replace all instances of component with new one

Is there an easy way to change a component?

Not that I know.

Even worse yoy cannot force refresh of components to get latest lib data updated / added into schematics.

Sorry for whining.
I am a Kicad lover but some things…

Depends.

If you changed the symbol in the library and want it updated just open the schematic. You will get asked if you want to “rescue” your symbol.
If you tell kicad that you want to rescue this symbol it keeps the old version.
If you tell it not to rescue your symbol the new one will be used.

But i also don’t know of an option to exchange all instances of a symbol with another symbol.

This rescue mechanism only comes into play for certain changes.

Not if you update or add /delete fields.

Footprints in layout you can update from library.

Symbols / parts you cannot.

Incoherencies.

I changed the voltage rating of a capacitor which changed the part number. I would like it to work like the search and replace so I could decide on an instance basis to replace the old component with a new one. This problem also happens when I want to update a footprint for all instances.

1 Like

Here you can use CvPCB (As a workaround)

By the way: I don’t disagree that this feature would be nice. I’m just in trouble shooting mode where i try to find a solution with the capabilities of the current software. (And maybe it will be there in the new schematic editor. Similar to the footprint replacement tool in pcb_new. But for that we might have to wait another year or more.)