Is it possible to set track coordinates exactly?

For aesthetic and functional reasons, I would like to edit the exact locations of the track vertices. I see that they are defined in the .kicad_pcb file, but I have been unable to find a way to edit those numbers in KiCad. Grabbing or dragging with the mouse is less efficient since my grid size has to be very fine to accommodate footprints with 0.01 mm precision and the tracks I am trying to align are on different parts of the board. In Eagle I am able to edit each segment and define the starting and ending X and Y coordinates. Is this possible in KiCad? Thanks in advance for your help.

Yes.

Use the ā€œOpenGLā€ canvas (function key ā€œF11ā€).

Hover the cursor over the track you want to edit. Press the ā€œEā€ key. A dialog box will open, where you can enter (X,Y) coordinates for the segment end points, track width, layer, and lock.

(When you press ā€œEā€, if there are multiple objects near the cursor (tracks, pads, footprints, etc) KiCAD will ask you to select one object from a list of the objects near the cursor.)

Dale

2 Likes

Awesome. Thanks very much Dale.

Wow, first time I’ve seen anyone do this.
You could consider scripts, if you really do need fine vertex control.

I sometimes like to set part XY, but I’ve never bothered with a trace XY.

Instead, I use Shove Routers and set clearance, and then that ā€˜functional reason’ is taken care of, and the aesthetics are better, since the 45 degree segments properly hug.

I set global rules at, or somewhat more conservative, than what my fabricator advertises as his ā€œStandardā€ capabilities. However, the boards I do are almost always soldered manually so wherever possible I use much greater trace widths and spacing instead of allowing the router to pack things in as tight as allowed.

Dale