Trouble getting pcbnew to re-read a changed footprint (solved)

Layout
1

I’ve modified one of the footprints in my footprint library (same name, same library, just modified) and I want the change to be reflected in a PCB which was using the old version of the footprint. In the past, I’ve had success doing this:

  • Choose “Edit Parameters” from right-click menu
  • Then click “Change Footprint(s)” button
  • Click “Apply”

However, today that is not working for some reason. I do those steps, and it does not update the footprint on the PCB. Any idea why this works sometimes but not always, and what I can do to make it work?

(I’m using KiCad 4.0.6 on Mac OS X 10.9.5.)

Thanks!

700×482 48.7 KB

2

What did you change in the footprint?
I noticed that sometimes changing only something in the 3d settings does not trigger the update. (Kicad only updates footprints for which it determines they changed.)

3

I changed oval holes to circular holes, to comply with OSH Park requirements.

1694×859 158 KB

4

I think that dialog prints “No” if the specified module is not found (could be a little clearer). At a guess, maybe it’s because library names are case-sensitive? The name in your PCB has a slightly different case to the one in the library editor.

2 Likes
5

Thanks! Changing the case fixed the problem. I hadn’t noticed the inconsistency.

6

KiCads least sane error message! Somebody was watching Little Britain when this was coded

1 Like
7

I had a similar experience when adding a field to the footprint. The scope of changes that trigger an update seems to be fairly limited or - the other way round - not comprehensive.

And: yes, the error message is … (censored) :slight_smile:

8

Funny, I thought the same thing :slight_smile:

9

It comes from this code:

974×511 22.7 KB