What symbol and footprint file formats can Kicad import?

[pmi]

I am trying to import a footprint for a specific C&K switch - L203031MS02Q. It is a DP3T slide switch.

I went to DigiKey to download the symbol, footprint, and 3D model for my project. I was sent to digikey-embedded-partscommunity.com. The is no Kicad option for a download format, but a lot of other formats are available. I have attached 2 screen shots of the formats supported. Which ones will KiCad understand as an import?

I also tried Ultra Librarian which usually had KiCad files, but that site does not have any files for this switch.

I can make my own symbol and footprint, I just was hoping I could find a ready made one.

Thanks!

[paulvdh]

Showing a screenshot of “all” is not useful. Maybe E-cad or EDA would narrow it down to something sensible.

When opening Preferences / Manage symbol Libraries you get an overview for the currently supported formats:

And similar for the footprints:

[gkeeth]

The user manual lists the supported filetypes here for symbols and here for footprints.

[pmi]

I included the list in the hope that someone would look at it and say - “Try this …”. The list is alphabetical, and a quick glance shows there are no “E” entries.

When I look at Preferences / Manage symbol Libraries, all I have are legacy and database.

[pmi]

Thanks for the links. It seems that table for the symbol file types is not in the KiCad v7 manual. That is what I searched. Same with footprints. I have not upgraded to version 8 yet.

I compared all the supported symbol and footprint file formats for version 8, and none of them match any entry in the list of possible file formats. I will just make my own symbol and footprint.

[dsa-t]

Out of that list, DXF (2D) an STEP AP 214 are likely the most useful for a footprint.

[pmi]

@dsa-t Thanks! I will try them.

[gkeeth]

Ah, yes, that list is probably new in the v8 manual and many of those file types weren’t supported in v7 anyway.

[jmk]

@pmi

I can make my own symbol and footprint, I just was

Symbol:
Use “SW_Slide_DPDT”, add two pins and rename to “SW_Slide_DPTT”.

Footprint:
Create one pad with an oval round hole.
Generate and locate the other seven pads with the “Array” tool.
Draw three lots of graphic lines on Courtyard, Fab, & Silk.

Job done. Under five minutes each?

How long to write the post, let alone try to download a footprint which will still need verifying at best; modifying and redrawing at worst?

[paulvdh]

@jmk

Footprint:
Create one pad with an oval hole.

Oval holes do not seem sensible for that switch. It would need a router with a diameter of less then 1mm. Easy to drill an 1.4mm round hole, but not easy tor milling with a router that’s less then 1mm diameter and a side wards load.

[jmk]

@paulvdh

Oval holes do not seem sensible for that switch.

Fair enough comment. My above post has been modified.
Thanks.
I’d have recommended round holes had I actually read the data sheet specs instead of just looking at the drawings.

The point of my overall comment was how it is frequently easier and quicker to make/modify symbols and footprints rather than try to download then check another’s work.

[paulvdh]

Yes, creating footprints in KiCad is usually pretty easy, but it’s hard to nearly impossible to convince people who rather search the internet for half a day then to even start the footprint editor of this.

[pmi]

Unfortunately, DXF (2D) and STEP AP 214 are not recognized by KiCad 7. When I upgrade to v8, I can try them again. Thanks again!

[dsa-t]

Create a new footprint, then you should be able to import the DXF as graphics

Then just add pads / other graphics you need in KiCad.

And in “Edit footprint properties” you can add the STEP model:

[gkeeth]

DXF is not a footprint format, it is a mechanical drawing format. The DXF file will be a mechanical outline of the footprint that you can import into the footprint editor as graphics, like dsa-t describes. You would then use it as a reference for creating the footprint yourself (e.g. you will need to add appropriate pads according to the datasheet).

Similarly, STEP is a 3D model format. The STEP you download will be a 3D model of the component that would be useful for checking that the footprint you create is correct, but it is not itself a footprint.