I’m running an older mac OS, Version 10.13.4. I don’t want to upgrade because I have other programs that I use that won’t run on newer versions.
So, is there still a version of KiCad that will run on OS 10.13.4? If so, where can I download it?
Preferably, I would like to use Pcbnew without capturing a schematic or creating a net list. My boards are very simple and small, so the schematic-net-list feature is more trouble than it’s worth.
Older versions of KiCad / Pcbnew were supposedly very difficult to use without using the schematic-net-list capture, but with KiCad-Nightly V5.99 it was allegedly much better. Will V5.99 run on OS 10.13.4? If so, where can I download it?
All the old Mac versions are available here. Downloads | KiCad EDA
The ones ending 10-14 require Mojave (10.14) or later. The later point increments are bug fixes so you are looking at 5.1.6 I think as the latest version that should work for you.
I’ve never bought the ‘my circuits too simple for a schematic’. If it’s that simple, the schematic will be equally simple and take little time. KiCad is designed to work from a schematic to define the connections so just using the layout means you are fighting the software with unpredictable results. Familiarity and practice increases efficiency and you will be drawing schematics in a few minutes. You will also have a document to reference and can use to test and debug your circuit.
Try and find a tutorial that is specific for KiCad 5.1.x when you do this. Early versions of KiCad required you to generate and export a net list when the schematic changed ( which is where you probably got the idea that the workflow was a bit tricky). More recent versions have a more straightforward schematic import button in the layout program. I can’t rightly remember when this changed. Version 4 was certainly the old method and 5.0 too but I think 5.1 changed to the current process (I’m prepared to be corrected on this though!)