When you update PCB from schematic, you get all the components in a pile, but is there a way to set the spacing larger so the silkscreen is not over another component?
Is there a way to have them sorted by annotation or even X,Y location on schematic instead of this totally random order?
additional info regarding the kicad-development-version: the current v6.99 version got a new feature to cross-select multiple items from schematic–>board (doesn’t works the other way around). But beware, v6.99 is not for nothing called “development”.
I think it is better to decide manually where each component or group of components is located. This would be defined by the shape of the PCB, the location of connectors, types of signals (analog or digital) in short, a lot of parameters that is easier to do by hand.
@Piotr, yes it is better than all the same position, and I group things too, but I can’t read the text cause its over/under another component.
@mf_ibfeew, @maykol_rey, I am only using one sheet, and as I said, “I am not looking for auto placement or hierarchical grouping”
An example:
Overly simple schematic
I do like the cross select multiple items idea, but I am going to wait till its a release version. But it seems like adding more space and having them in sequential order would be easier to me. Maybe its time for me to learn how to make a plug-in and sort it myself.
I know I complain alot, but KiCad is still awesome!
I will give it a try, it is better than nothing. Do you know how that will work if say I make a bunch of changes to schematic, make 2nd “temp” board outline, can I place selected parts in just the “temp” outline? I can test it myself if you haven’t already tried it.
I can test it myself if you haven’t already tried it.
You have to test yourself. I have the mentioned autoplace-function not used for myself (except for the text-example above). So I’m also interested into your findings.
I hide texts as if they are it happens to get (for Move) text and not footprint. So I see at PCB footprints without references and values. When I move a footprint schematic shows me which element I have got and Move now.
@mf_ibfeew
Tested, it will use 2nd "temp outline but it seems like it must be below the main PCB. Or to be clear, it places parts in the lowest outline. It does help and I will use this for now. Thanks.