Feature request - Viewing both pcb sides along with global view

Software
1

Hi,

Could a multi-view mode be implemented in order to show the top and bottom sides as they visually appear alongside the global view ? I think this would be helpful for tight designs as this provides a clearer view while monitoring changes on both sides simultaneously, thus reducing (or even eliminating) the need to use the “Hide” functions on the Appearance Panel. Any thoughts ?

2

What is tight design? That you have elements at both PCB sides?
Personally, it is very difficult for me to quickly switch between the normal and mirror views. If I had to work with both at once, it would be a nightmare for me.
If the PCB in the device is mounted so that the elements are on its back (relative to how the user looks at the device), then in KiCad I have the footprints on the bottom, and the top is GND, and it does not bother me at all. Thanks to this, e.g. keys or LEDs are arranged the way the user sees them.
I have never even tried to use the opposite side view in KiCad.

3

If you set the Alpha/transparency for the PCB, you can see it in a way that may help…

4

Thanks for your demo. I often use the 3D viewer but what I would like to see is something equivalent to the 3D but in 2D so that you see both top and bottom sides updating while you move something (which isn’t the case with the 3D viewer, I guess for rendering reasons).
For example, suppose that you design a small circuit. It’s size is fixed, and it is well fitted with a number of smd components. But you you want to add a feature which requires a small additional space, which is possible by moving a connection pad to the other side. It would be interesting to see the top and bottom sides rendered in 2D and updating while moving the said pad. Of course you can play with hiding layers and such, but I think it’s easier if you can see both sides separately and at the same time. Can childs of the 3D viewer be added to the main window in order to show the top/bottom layers in 2D ?

5

I can’t imagine how this feature would be used in the real world.
It’s already possible to see both sides of the board in real time using transparency. Having to view each side independently seems like a nightmare.

6

Well, take a look at this… and. do some playing around…