How to keep schematic as is but restart PCB layout from fresh

Projects
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I have a project that I want to have different PCB layouts. Same schematic but PCB will be different. Some components will be larger and need more space for heat sinks and some things will just be moved a little. What I want to do is duplicate the project but not the PCB part. I want to generate and place components and tracks as if it is a new project but based on the same schematic. I’m also adding mounting holes on the PCB so that I can put the PCB in a case.

What is the easiest way to do this? Can I just delete the PCB file? Should I just open the PCB file and remove everything? Is there a better way to do this? I would like to do this the right way. Searches didn’t turn up a answer plus Kicad is a moving target right now. Lots of improvements and new features.

I’m using version 9.0.2. I’m also a Linux user.

Thanks much.

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I see jmk replying but I will put my two cents in…

I think you can just copy the folder and rename the files (and probably the folder) before deleting the .pcb file.

Or you could hide everything into a .zip file before deleting the .pcb file.

Usually you specify the footprints in the schematic symbols, so you would need to change those footprint assignments where you intend to do so.

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You can simply do: File / Save as … from the project manager to save your project in a different location or a different name.

And yes, you can delete the whole PCB file from the project, or just draw a rectangle around the PCB and then delete it

5

Sorry @rdalek

I misread you question, gave an incorrect reply and then deleted it. Sorry for any confusion.

Kicad works as One Schematic, one PCB, so multiple different PCBs are a problem for the one schematic.

Probably the easiest solution is to have multiple projects, all with the same schematic but different PCBs.
Method I just used to experiment was:
Create new empty project.
Open old project and copy the whole schematic.
Close old project and reopen new project.
Paste whole schematic into new project.
Change appropriate footprints in the symbols on the new project.
Use Tools > Update PCB to start again with a new PCB or Copy/paste the PCB as was done with the schematic then Update to change the footprints.

And after all this typing, yes, as @paulvdh comments, File > Save as to a new project.

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If you intend to revise the base schematic you could take advantage of hierarchical sheets. Put your schematic in one and then share it across different projects each with its own root sheet. This takes a bit of planning though.

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