I am trying to add the symbol and footprint libraries to kicad 6
I downloaded and placed them in my keycad folders. namely
kicad 6.0/footprints/digikey-footprints-pretty
and kicad 6.0/footprints/symbols/digikey-symbols
the particular product (digikey part number 732-2745-ND) is listed by digikey in category
Connectors, Interconnects, Terminal Blocks, Wire to Board
I added that file to my global via preferences, manage symbol libraries and added the library dk_Terminal_Blocks-Wire_To-Board using the dark icon at the bottom of the screen.
When I go to project and try to add a symbol from this library, the library does appear in the choices.
The first time it did not appear, I assumed it did not add. So I tried again and got the message that it is already in the global library
If the library is not in the list, it has not been installed.
1/ You downloaded the libraries… correct.
2/ You moved the libraries to personal library folders… correct.
3/ You used the “folder” icon with the pop-up “add existing library to table”… incorrect. This is for adding an already recognized, and translated to kicad, library. This icon is used to re-instate a library that has been deleted with the Rubbish bin icon.
You now need to click on the “+” icon (to the left of the folder icon) , then
Click on the grey space in the library path column,
Click on the folder icon at the right of that line that has now appeared,
Use the page that has now appeared to navigate to the personal library in which you placed the Digikey library.
Double click on that library.
Give the library a nickname and save.
You will need to follow the above same procedure with your footprint library.
Edit: Make sure you read the section on “Nicknames” as this determines where, in the library list in the Schematic/Symbol/PCB/Footprint Editors, your Digikey libraries show.
I had never considered the installation of imported libraries when writing that FAQ.
In the next few days I will edit that FAQ to include importing libraries.
