I need a certain footprint model, which the KiCad library usually has, but it’s always missing the 3D model. Why does this happen and is there a place to download all the models to keep this up to date? Also, whenever I try to upload a 3D Model that fits to an existing footprint but it says I can’t edit the file cause it’s Read-Only. What should I do?
Because nobody made one that can be distributed by KiCad, and 3D rendering is just a nice thing to have, not essential for board manufacture. 3D models out there may be copyrighted but ok for you to use personally.
Whenever you want to modify a standard library symbol or footprint you should make a copy in your personal library first, because the standard libraries are read-only, otherwise your changes will be lost next update. There’s a FAQ on how to create personal libraries.
PS: If you are wondering why the link is there even though the model doesn’t exist, practice is to provide a link of where it would be if it existed so that if/when the model is created, the footprint library doesn’t have to be updated.
Except there is no mention of creating 3D libraries because I never managed to get that far.
I have failed!!! 
For 3D the user has to create their own libraries as well as folders for those libraries (and perhaps folders for the folders) with their OS.
Appropriate 3D images are placed in those libraries and then linked to the footprint by:
Open the Footprint Properties > Select 3D tag > Use the "+ " and “folder” icons to navigate to and attach an image to the footprint.
I’d better make an effort to complete that FAQ. 
1 Like
This topic was automatically closed 90 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.