How to convert this polygon into pad in footprint editor

[Prashant_Andhale]

[paulvdh]

The usual method is:

1. Place an SMT pad on the same copper layer as the graphics.
2. press [Ctrl + e] twice to enter and exit the Pad Edit Mode.

It’s explained in more detail in:

Tutorial: Creating custom annular (ring-shaped) SMD pads

Someone on Discord recently asked how to create the outer elements of this footprint: [image] In KiCad 8, it is pretty easy to do this with the following steps: Start in the Footprint Editor on the copper layer, and draw half of the ring shape with two arcs and two lines: [image] Select these lines, right-click, and choose Create from Selection > Create Polygon from Selection. Accept the default options. [image] Duplicate and rotate this shape to close the ring. Now add a SMD rect…

But I do have doubts about the bigger picture. What is your overall intention with this footprint? My guess is that it is better to use a big SMT pad for the copper, and use aperture pads to control the amount of solder paste that gets deposited on the pad. If the solder paste layer is the same size as the copper, then there usually is far to much solder on the pads and this prevents proper soldering for packages like QFP and QFN.