I am excited to announce that a new series of lectures covering the latest features in KiCad 9 is now available in KiCad Like a Pro. This update introduces several tools and enhancements designed to make PCB design more efficient, flexible, and precise. If you have already purchased the course, these new lectures are now accessible in your account.
KiCad 9 brings many improvements, and I have focused on some of the most impactful ones. These include automation tools, better layout management, enhanced 3D modeling capabilities, and more precise component and track positioning. Let me give you a quick overview of the key topics covered in the new lectures:
Job Sets simplifies exporting project files by allowing users to define output configurations and generate multiple file types in a single step. This is particularly useful for standardizing documentation for manufacturing or sharing design files with collaborators.
Bezier Curve Tool is now available in both the schematic and PCB editors. It enhances design flexibility by allowing smooth, curved traces and complex board outlines. This is especially useful in RF design and custom PCB shape creation.
Zone Manager provides better control over copper pours, allowing for more organized and hierarchical management of zones. This tool is invaluable for multi-layer PCBs where precise copper allocation is required.
Design Blocks enable the reuse of schematic subcircuits across projects. This feature reduces redundancy and ensures consistency, making it much easier to manage commonly used circuit sections.
Autoroute Attempt Finish allows KiCad to automatically complete partially routed tracks. While not a full autorouter, this tool is useful for quickly finalizing unfinished connections.
Multiple Track Drag makes it possible to move multiple track segments simultaneously while maintaining proper spacing. This is a significant time-saver when adjusting complex routing layouts.
Pad Stacks with Different Copper Shapes let designers customize pad geometries across layers. This is particularly beneficial for high-density interconnects (HDI), thermal management, and flex PCBs.
3D Model Export Improvements expand the range of formats available for exporting PCB models. The ability to generate STL files, for example, allows designers to 3D print mock-ups for mechanical fitting and enclosure design.
Precision Positioning Tool introduces new ways to move components with exact placement in relation to other elements. This is essential for aligning parts in high-precision designs.
Tables can now be added directly in both the schematic and PCB editors, improving documentation and making it easier to include reference data within designs.
Selection Filter in the Schematic Editor enhances usability by allowing users to specify which objects can be selected. This reduces errors and speeds up schematic editing.
Component Classes provide a way to group components and apply specific design rules to them, much like net classes but for individual parts. This helps enforce consistency in layout design and rule management.
These new lectures provide hands-on demonstrations and practical examples to help you integrate these tools into your workflow. If you are already enrolled in KiCad Like a Pro, you can access the new content immediately.
Additionally, I am now working on an update to the KiCad Like a Pro book to reflect these new features and improvements in KiCad 9. This update will ensure that the book remains a comprehensive guide for both new and experienced users.
I hope you find these new lectures valuable. As always, I appreciate your feedback and look forward to seeing how you use these new features in your designs.
Happy designing!
Peter