I cannot generate the netlist because the “Generate Netlist” icon is missing from the menu bar. This project was originally created in KiCad 5 and has been uploaded to KiCad 8. Additionally, updating the PCB from the PCB editor is also not working. This process has worked previously but is now failing. Are there any solutions for this issue?
Generate Netlist" icon is missing
When I click on ‘Update PCB’ in the PCB editor, it is not working
I’m assuming you’re used to v5 and haven’t used any versions since then until now?
In very old versions of KiCad, you would export a netlist from the schematic and import it into the board.
Since v5 the preferred method has been to use the Update PCB from Schematic action in the board editor, which doesn’t require you to export/import a netlist.
See PCB Editor | 8.0 | English | Documentation | KiCad
If you’re new to v8, you may also want to quickly run through the Getting Started in KiCad guide, in case you find any other workflows that have changed since v5 was released (in 2018!)
This project was originally created in KiCad 5 and then uploaded to KiCad 8. I updated the netlist by clicking on ‘Update PCB’ in KiCad 8, but now it is not working
You’ll need to be more specific than “it’s not working” unfortunately.
In v8, the generate netlist actions is no longer an icon but under File > Export > Netlist because Update PCB from Schematic is now the normal workflow. Export Netlist shouldn’t be needed, using an intermediate netlist is not the normal path.
As for Tools > Update PCB from Schematic not working you’ll have to provide more details as gkeeth also said.
PS: Make sure you are running this in the v8 schematic editor, not the v5 schematic editor or v5 layout editor, as you seem to be on a platform where multiple versions can be installed.
PPS: With such a large version jump it’s best to read the new documentation as the workflow has changed. What you were used to doing isn’t done anymore.
Even in KiCad V5 usage of the netlist was deprecated, and the normal method to update the PCB was already with Schematic Editor / Tools / Update PCB from Schematic [F8].
But you also seem to be mixing up terminology. Apparently you are already using this Update PCB from Schematic [F8] function.
KiCad does not use separate netlist files anymore. The functionality of exporting a netlist is maintained for “unusual workflows”, and for the normal workflow the netlist information is exchanged directly between the Schematic editor and the PCB editor with the already mentioned function.
Your screenshot is also misleading. It is from a very old KiCad version. (Probably V5) and not relevant for KiCad V8. In KiCad V8 all options are in a single column.
