Programically Layout Components

[njspeer]

I have a PCB design with 169 footprints, most of which are repeating patterns.

See below for screenshot of first pass at grouping.

In the screenshot above, I have started to group the footprints (but I haven’t done anything else). I think, for this many components, I should do this programmatically. I was hoping to find an example of a Python script that moved footprints to positions on the board. But I’m having a very hard time finding simple examples.

So, my question is this:

1. Is there a simple Python script I can call to move footprints around the board?
2. If not, what is the preferred way of making arrays of repeating patterns of footprints?

[eelik]

@njspeer

what is the preferred way of making arrays of repeating patterns of footprints?

Using hierarchical sheets in the schematic and using the Replicate Layout plugin in the PCB editor.

[njspeer]

Thank you. I am learning how to use hierarchical sheets now.