Help with KiCad Basics LED tactile switches

Welcome to this Forum & Thank You for giving KiCAD a try!

Two things would help us answer your question:

  • Your photo is a good start. Please attach a copy of your part’s Data Sheet, even if it’s a marginal-quality scanned image. Any manufacturer’s ID or part numbers would also be helpful. (This Forum has members from all over the world, so it’s possible that somebody recognizes a part available only in their own locality, and not listed by the major distributors from the U.S. or Europe.)

  • If it’s permitted, attach a copy of your project files. (We know that non-disclosure policies and corporate security practices often prevent this.) Even a screen-capture of the relevant section of the schematic or layout can provide information helpful to those assisting you.

  • As a new Forum member, you have limited ability to attach files. One workaround is to attach one file to each of several posts. Or, spend a little time reading through a few threads; issue a few “Likes”; post a few comments. The Forum will automagically upgrade your privileges when it seems obvious that you are a reasonable person, and not here to SPAM us or start arguments. You can also beg, plead, and grovel before one of the Moderators (such as @hermit ) to upgrade your privileges. I don’t know what his favorite brand of malt beverage is, but providing him with a serving or two might be another way to advance your status on the Forum.

Now for your main question . . .

I would start by looking at the symbols available in the standard KiCAD library. I don’t know if any of those symbols include illumination. If not, you need to create your own symbol. That will take a little time, but it’s not especially difficult. I’d start with an existing Switch symbol, and add an LED symbol. The resulting symbol will be a multi-unit symbol, with the two sections NOT interchangeable.

Save your new symbol to your personal symbol library!

Use the same approach for the footprint. Your part’s pin spacing and layout is probably used by at least one other manufacturer, so browse the footprints in “Button_Switch_THT.pretty” until you find one with similar dimensions. Modify it, or add pin(s), if necessary.

Save it to your personal Footprint library!

The Forum’s “FAQ” topic has several articles that may be helpful to you. They tend to be well written and profusely illustrated with screenshots. At least look through the list of topics to see if any seem to apply to your situation.

Dale

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