For quite some time now, 3D models have been missing from many footprints, even though the path is stored, but the file does not exist. Currently noticed: Molex Mini-Spox.
But this preparation doesn’t help. The KiCad footprint is read-only. You can’t adjust the position of the 3D model. That means you have to create a copy of each one for yourself, just so you can position the 3D model correctly. That can’t be the point of the exercise. I download the 3D models from the manufacturers’ websites. They all have different reference points. If you then install a new version of KiCad, all position settings would be lost again.
I don’t want to complain. I’m just pointing out how impractical this is.
But you can move/rotate model (using for example FreeCAD) to have all KiCad position settings be 0.
I suppose that solution comes from times when new KiCad version had his files in the same folders as previous version. So if you used some footprint and with new version it will get 3D model designed you will get that model in your old designs doing nothing.
I’m not using KiCad libraries so I can understand something wrongly, but if to edit position settings you have to copy footprint into your library then when installing new version it will not be deleted.
I thought that, from a purely practical point of view, you don’t have to reinvent everything and can use existing components from the KiCad libraries.
If a 3D model is missing, you could copy it to the designated path (folder). You could also correct the reference point in FreeCad beforehand. All correct. Until you install a new version of KiCad. Then everything is gone.
If you only use your own libraries, does that mean the KiCad libraries only serve as templates for your own components? That would be a shame for the effort put in by the people who create these libraries.
You are forced to create your own libraries and copy components with them. All that copying and pasting is not really the point, is it? These are the kinds of questions that keep coming up.
So you want footprints and 3D Models for every common and not so common component that exists and every new one that gets released ? and you want this from a team of people that give their time for free ?
I think you need to make a contribution . . . . that contribution can be maintaining your own bespoke library of footprints and 3D CAD
Most people don’t go to that extreme. They use a mix of the standard libraries and own libraries containing a few bespoke parts. The effort to copy a footprint into an own library is dwarfed by the effort of tweaking the 3D model to match the footprint. Sometimes I don’t bother with photorealism as my projects are hobby. I know people who earn a crust may have to present a rendering of the product for publicity. Also checking clearances in housings.
Even if the field were blank for non-existent models you’d still have to make a copy because the standard libraries are read only and do get augmented in newer releases so it’s sensible to separate the system libraries from personal ones so your adjustments don’t get overwritten.
The reason why that field is filled is so that if the librarians do make or obtain a 3D model they can just add it to the 3D model library and people who were already using the footprint will get the 3D model without having to edit anything.
I’m not forced. I have just decided to do it that way.
In 90s we decided how our documentation looks like. When I considered to move to KiCad (V4 those time) my first tests were to find what is needed to get our documentation in as easy way as possible. My conclusion was that I need footprints be little different than KiCad footprints. As I decided to wait for V5 to start real KiCad use I spend waiting time on making my libraries. All symbols I just make myself. I sometimes use KiCad footprints as templete for my footprints.
You understand me. Thank you. Well, there’s no other way. That’s pretty much how I do it too. I thought there might be a better solution in practice. That’s fine.
Why the aggressive tone? You misunderstood my question. I realize that there can’t be a 3D model for everything. My question was about how to add a 3D model to the KiCad footprint without copying it, if possible. Without everything being lost when you install a new version. I realize that it’s not that simple, and I just wanted to ask again.
So in future, don’t insult everyone who asks a question just because they ask!
The tone is in the ear of the beholder . . . there was no aggression, I’m just trying to help.
If you create your own footprint library with the footprints that you need specific 3D CAD for that will address your issue, when you update KiCad (only for major version updates 8->9, 9->10, etc) you simply tell the new version where your custom library is located and off you go . . .
As I recall you didn’t just ask a question, you cast aspersions on the developers too. I found it aggressive. Jmk echoed my thoughts in that other topic.
@ RaptorUK
Why do you misunderstand everything? Everyone else understood me. I meant the original KiCad library. I have no problems with my own libraries.
@ retiredfeline
I haven’t slandered anyone. With what? Now this is going in completely the wrong direction. Where are these false accusations coming from?
The idea is you place the corrected 3D image into a personal library then link that to your footprint in a personal footprint library.
The 3D image is then not “gone” next upgrade.
If you use Kicad libraries, you are stuck with Kicad limitations. If you use personal libraries, you are free to do as you wish.
If you are placing Kicad symbols or footprints into personal libraries, use File > Save as. This is much easier.
I always use personal libraries for much the same reason as @Piotr. Kicad libraries are a good starting point. Many of my symbols are copies of Kicad symbols. Nearly all my footprints are modified Kicad footprints. I don’t bother with 3D. I much rather see the finished, populated and working, PCB.
Well,
In your other post, you started with noticing “unpleasant things”.
You then mentioned 3D models missing. This is covered in the FAQs.
You then write about “annoying” version 9 issues, which, as far as I can determine, are generally user errors and not, as suggested, bugs.
Then we read 9 has major problems. 9.0.4 had an “off grid” problem, but that was quickly rectified.
Finally, came the suggestion to take more care with programming.
All in all, this came across as far more subjective than objective.
I was not doing it for last 3 years so may be not accurate…
Using StepUp in FreeCAD you can load KiCad footprint and 3D model. Then seeing them both you can move/rotate model to right position on footprint and then save it in two files typically used for KiCad 3D models.
KiCad is just working “as designed”. If you want to add links to custom 3D models, then you have to modify KiCad’s footprints. and the normal way to do that is to make a copy of them first.
This is also common practice throughout the industry. Mistakes in footprints can have dire consequences. From re-spinning (expensive) prototype boards to just the delays it take to do the rework. Therefore it’s common to not trust any footprint which is not personally verified. And once a footprint is verified, you put it in a personal library, so you don’t have to verify the data the next time you want to use the same footprint.
