I’m using KiCad 9, and I have two questions regarding the schematic editor behavior that seems different from earlier versions:
1. How can I move components like in earlier versions (e.g. KiCad 6 or 7)?
In previous versions, I could simply click on a component and immediately drag it to move.
Now in KiCad 9, clicking a component only selects it, and I have to press M (or select “Move”) to actually move it.
Is there a way to restore the old behavior, where clicking and dragging instantly moves a component without needing to press a key?
2. How can I connect a wire to more than two nodes?
In earlier versions, it was easy to branch new wires from an existing wire — for example, to split a signal to multiple destinations.
In KiCad 9, I can still start a wire from an unconnected pin and connect it to another pin — that works.
But when I try to connect a third pin to that same wire, it doesn’t work.
Here’s what happens:
I activate the wire tool (via button or W), and click on an existing wire.
I draw the new wire from that spot to another component pin.
No junction is created, and the new wire is not electrically connected.
Also, if I place a component so its pin is directly over an existing wire, it does not connect.
It’s like wires can now only connect two endpoints, and nothing more.
How can I branch from an existing wire or make a junction with more than two connected elements?
“R2” not connected. I try also J. “Junction location contain no joinable wires…”.
So: a) Version 9 need any plugin make more than 2 connection per net. b) Must make any fake component “three pin” for junction. c) any special function- all earlier version this junction was possible, in 9 not. So Kicad 9 not possible make complex schemas, only 2 connection per net.
I’m struggling to see what the issue is here . . . in the top picture R2 is not connected while in the bottom picture it is. R1, R2 & R3 will be on the same net.
With normal settings, I don’t remember having changed anything which could be related… Using 9.0.1 + testing build bugfixes.
After taking the screencast I still tried some other things, at least moving a symbol so that a pin goes on a wire, and it connects the pin to the wire.
Then, to continue what 3Dogs asked: what’s the grid origin? Open the context menu on an empty area and check the Grid menu; what’s the grid and the origin?
Zoom as close as you can into a place where you tried to make a connection and got the message described in your topic subject. Do the two wires actually meet, or do the pin and wire actually meet in close inspection? If not, you have a grid mismatch in some way or another.
I can select items, then with the second mouse click can start dragging. It should work the same way than in v6 or 7 (but not necessarily v5 which had completely different schematic editing paradigm).
Put cursor to R2 top pin. Wiring tool is now automatically active.
Click R2 top pin and draw wire from it to wire between R1 and R2. Cursor go exactly over it wire. Click. Older version: now junction appear. BUT Kicad 9 make this:
Try selecting all and context menu → Align items to grid. Then try wiring again.
This shows there’s something wrong with the grid:
You can select the problematic items (in this case the two wires), copy them and paste the “source code” directly here. Then make the text “Preformatted text” to show it as it is. We can see how the lines actually go with exact coordinates.
