Hi guys,
Is there a way in KiCad to use a footprint (see image) in the schematic and later in the PCB editor, so that I can place other components underneath the ESP32 module and avoid collisions and DRC error messages during checks?
Practically, I plan to mount the ESP32 module using two female pin headers, so it can be removed if necessary. There should be enough space underneath it.
Thank you for any help.
Not sure why you want to use a footprint in the schematic. For a schematic a symbol is needed. The symbol layout doesn’t have to correspond to the pin layout of the IC or module. They are usually grouped logically. Usually the power pins at the top and bottom. In the footprint ports 1, 2 and 3 are all over the place. In a symbol you would group by port. Then the minor function pins. Have a look at some MCUs symbols from the library. There may already be one for your module. If you don’t like its grouping of pins, you can edit to make your version of a symbol.
Making a symbol is quite easy, easier than making a footprint. It’s a skill you should learn.
well… if you plan to mount it on 2 females pin strips, you could simply lock in place at the correct distance just the female connectors avoiding to place the ESP32 in the schematic.
Doing this you can avoid the visual distraction of the runtime drc that i think is otherwise unavoidable. You just have to place a bit more effort in connecting everything right, but is doable.
In any case as others has already said, you can place the overlapping parts and just ignore the runtime and offline drc suggestions. It will be very angry with you, and will try to overwhelm you with complains, but ultimately you have the power.
Thank you I will try to play with it, I wasn’t sure where to check the keepout areas.
Yes, this is clear regarding the symbol in schamtic. I was considering that if you don’t do it correctly in the schematic and you update PCB based on the schamtic it might cause problems. But I think I will use the solution below which Claudio described.
I think I will use this solution. I was already considering it but I was thinking how to do it in the schamatic. I will probably connect 2 females pin strips via labels to the ESP32 pins and exclude ESP32 footprint from the PCB.
You can actually make a composite footprint from two pin sockets rows. The courtyard does not have to be a single shape, it can be two rectangles around the two rows of pin sockets. Assign this footprint to the module. Then other footprints can be placed in between. Again, good practice for you editing footprints.
…another possible quick & very,very,dirty workaround could be to remove the courtyards from the ESP32 footprint in your library, no courtyard, no erc 
or even redraw the court yard just around the actual pin of the device.
Well no, that’s too small. A courtyard is to prevent collision of the physical parts. The pin socket has plastic around it.
also see:
I reworked the footprint and it looks like it could work. Anyway it will hardcore to make the PCB as small as possible.
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