How to measure distance in KiCad layout

Layout
1

I am wondering how we can find the distance between two points in KiCad layout and also how can find the placement coordinate of a component in Kicad layout.

2

There is a Measure Tool in KiCad PCB Editor. You can find this on the tool panel on the right or from the Inspect menu.

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3

assuming “component” == footprint:

  • doubleclick footprint → get footprint properties dialog → bottom left edge: area with value for position+orientation
  • or: enable properties panel (View–>panels–>properties), select any single footprint → get position values in section “basic properties”
  • or: File–>Fabrication output–>component placement–>position file. Then memorize the reference designator from your footprint and look into the position file for x/y position
4

ksnip_20250613-193103
ksnip_20250613-193103843Ă—239 14.9 KB

  • or: place the mouse on one item, press the space bar to zero dx dy, move mouse to second item and read result (green box). Polar results if using polar system.

  • or: with a bit of arithmetic, use the pink box for a result also.

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