There is a library with fiducial footprints in KiCad. So you just have to assign a footprint to the symbols, just as with any other generic symbol (Resistors, Capacitors, Connectors, etc).
The footprints for Fiducial are in /usr/share/kicad/footprints/Fiducial.pretty/
When I edit the symbol for Fiducial in schematic in symbol editor, there is no option to open the footprint editor and edit its footprint. Usually, for all symbols in symbol editor, there is an option to edit the footprint in footprint editor. This Fiducial symbol is different. Here is the symbol in symbol editor.
For me (KiCad V8.0.9) it’s just like any other symbol and footprint, and the fiducial footprints are in the “Fiducial” library. Nothing remarkable at all.
It seems there is no generic footprint for the symbol Fiducial. There are several Fiducial markers of different sizes and they are just selected like resistors or capacitors or inductors. Here is the place where footprints of Fiducial markers are assigned. In Schematic editor: Tools→ Assign Footprints.
Perhaps the OP(amit)'s understanding about Symbols and Footprints is Not clear…
Symbols: Are simply Graphic for Schematic.
Symbols can Reference a Footprints (if desired).
Footprints: Are Graphic’s for PCB.
Footprints can Reference 3D-Models (if desired).
Fiducial’s are Generally only Graphic, that’s why there is No 3D showing on a PCB beyond the Original Footprint. However, User can Reference a 3D-Model, if desired (and, if User has a Model)
Video shows my Fiducial’s (I use them for CNC Milling PCB). One has a 3D-Model(STEP) of a 1mm_Pin (file attached if wanted)
Video shows adding the Model to the Default Fiducial Pin_1mmX6mm.step (5.8 KB)
An important thing to do is that Footprint library of Fiducial should be added in Footprint editor. It is not included with a new installation of KiCad.
The path is File–> Add Library –> global in Footprint editor and select Fiducial.pretty folder.
The 3D model looks like a cylinder and has length which far exceeds the thickness of a PCB. This 3D model for a Fiducial might be invalid because unlike 3D models, it is a throughole on the PCB that is filled up. Changing its pad length to 0.1mm might help to view it from one side of the board.
I have Zero problem with it as I made it (model, symbol and footprint) for locating/placing PCB when Flipping sides for my CNC Milling.
I posted the file for a User’s 3D part, if it’s wanted. And, when loading it into the Footprint-Editor, a User can Scale the ‘Z’ dimension to meet desired Thickness…
This Model has Chamfer ends so, their points are probably not desired… but, you get the idea…
There is one fidudicial schematic symbol under mechanical and several fidudicial footprints, all by default in 9.0.6 on Windows in the fidudicial library
Another thing to note is that 3D models of Fiducial markers have to be remade because with the current 3D model, they are only visible only on one side of a PCB board in 3D view. They should be visible from both sides of a board as a Mounting hole.
See the images below which show front and back of a Fiducial:
I don’t understand. First, fiducials don’t have 3D models because they aren’t components or parts. They are just exposed copper pads. Second, almost by definition they belong to one side of the board only. Each side can have its own fiducials. You can easily create your own fiducial footprints if you for some reason want two-sided fiducials.
I don’t understand what the problem is (except, perhaps lack of understanding the process or, laziness…)
• You can Edit the stock Library Footprint and/or Copy/Edit save as your own custom footprint.
• You can add additional Graphics such as Cross/etc
• You can Update a PCB and the footprint will update.
Video shows Stock Footprint (previously placed on the PCB by Update PCB from Schematic) then, Edited (added Silk on Backside) then, Updated the Footprint/PCB
And, Added additional Footprint (the Edited ‘Stock Library’ one with Silk on Back)… Once making the Edit to Library Footprint, the Edits will always be retained so, need do it Only Once.
I posted info re Mechanical/Step-model… above - that’s why I don’t understand OP’s repeating this… it’s too simple. I followed-up indicating he could Set the Z Scale if wanting short-height Model-Representation on PCB.
Looking at how a Fiducial marker is shown as per this image, it appears that its footprint is visible from both sides of the PCB in 3D view. Its also the way in which you made an updated footprint that is visible from both sides of a PCB. I am not sure how correct the company which made that video is.
