Kicad 9.0RC2 - a few thoughts

I’m currently testing version 9.0 rc2 and I have a few questions:
When will it be possible to select ONLY one type of element in the schematic: resistor, capacitor, etc.? Now I have to click individual symbols instead of simply selecting what I want in the options and selecting it with one mouse movement.

As I understand it, the problem of self-forming connections in the schematic when moving symbols is not yet solved?

Now the pcb module - why can’t I copy the copper area from the top and bottom layers (F_Cu and B_Cu) to another layer? Why? For example, to make a non-standard solder mask. I know that I’ve already raised this topic before, there were plenty of solutions - I dealt with it by generating “temporary” gerbers from such “non-standard” spouts and changing the name and assignment of the gerber from the copper layer to the solder mask. But it is tiring and it is enough to make it possible to select a different layer when paste the selected copper surface

As I understand it, different versions of the same board can already be achieved by connecting via git?

This is a good solution when our board evolves from prototype to final version (although which board is final - there is always something to improve :))
But is the test a good solution when we have one version of the board but e.g. in two production versions: with all elements installed and with some areas not installed?

This is the same project but only used in part.

When will it be possible to select ONLY one type of element in the schematic: resistor, capacitor, etc.?

Only if you write a good reasoned feature request on gitlab and then some programmer takes on the work. for pcbnew there is already a open issue regarding a similar function (Properties Search / Parametric Search / Find Similar Objects (#8390) · Issues · KiCad / KiCad Source Code / kicad · GitLab), but for the schematic editor there is nothing open.
Are you aware of the already existing options to select/filter symbols by reference designator? (symbol fields table / search panel)

As I understand it, the problem of self-forming connections in the schematic when moving symbols is not yet solved?

correct. No significant change here.

Now the pcb module - why can’t I copy the copper area from the top and bottom layers (F_Cu and B_Cu) to another layer? Why?

Because that function is not implemented yet. And often there is a reason something is not implemented, for instance:

  • not that much interest (apart from you)
  • different types of items on copper layers (tracks) and on graphic layers → conversion needed
  • for me this sounds like a usecase for a external python script: specialized function for special usecases. So this could be a task for you?

The question is why do you want to copy copper to other layers. To create mask openings on top of tracks for tinning the track/solder wire onto the track?
For this task there is a new feature added to all tracks: expand that track to other layers (currently only mask layers implemented).

regarding git you have to wait for other answers.

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Regarding the soldermask - I need make the soldermask covering only copper on the plate - not the whole plate - I have such a whim :slight_smile: I wrote about it once on the forum. I can do it to do it around but it would be nice to do it stiff. I know that now I will be shouted but in Altium I can copy the copper layer to another layer, e.g. soldermask. And so I did in Altium, and I do it in Kicad.

Regarding selection by markings - this is only for searching or can you search and indicate to change the assigned footprint massively?

Somehow I did not use it - for me, the priority was always convenience - I choose what I want to mark and I mark it - oh, I’m sorry, that’s probably only in Altium it can be :slight_smile: But now seriously - can you do it in kicad? It would make my work easier.

I vaguely remember a forum forum thread about that “soldermask only on copper, not on not-copper areas”. I think you will get no relief with kicad v9.

Regarding selection by markings - this is only for searching or can you search and indicate to change the assigned footprint massively?

Depends.
symbol fields table: Here you can bulk-change the footprint assignment.
search panel: this also allows to select the wanted symbols. Sadly it’s currently not directly supported to change the footprint assignment for a selection of symbols.
A workaround is described at the end of this thread: (Change selected components footprint - #11 by gschelotto)

already open gitlab issues which may help in your workflow (if implemented sometimes):