KiCad resources
Guides, reviews, and references
A curated hub of Tech Explorations KiCad content. These pages live on the main site and open in a new tab.
Book errata
Corrections to KiCad Like a Pro, 5th edition, and to its project files, with what changed and whether you need to do anything.
Why learn KiCad?
Getting started with KiCad tutorials
What is a PCB?
Introduction to printed circuit boards — what they are and how they work.
PCB design process
Overview of the complete PCB design workflow from schematic to manufacturing.
Fabrication
How PCBs are fabricated — solder paste, stencils, and assembly.
Installation
Step-by-step guide to installing KiCad on your operating system.
An example project
A complete example project demonstrating KiCad's core workflow.
KiCad Project Manager
Navigate and manage your KiCad project files and settings.
Overview of the individual KiCad apps
Tour of KiCad's suite of editors and tools — schematic, layout, and more.
KiCad Paths and Libraries
Configure KiCad's file paths and manage symbol and footprint libraries.
Create a new KiCad project from scratch
Walkthrough of starting a fresh KiCad project from an empty workspace.
Create a new KiCad project from a template
Use KiCad's built-in templates to bootstrap a new project quickly.
KiCad 6 on Mac OS, Linux, and Windows
Platform-specific notes for running KiCad 6 on macOS, Linux, and Windows.
Major Differences between KiCad 6.0 and 5.0
Key changes and improvements introduced in KiCad 6 compared to version 5.
KiCad Schematic symbols
How to find, import, and manage schematic symbols in KiCad.
PCB key terms
Essential PCB design terminology every beginner should know.
High-speed PCB design
Introduction to high-speed PCB design
Foundations of high-speed PCB design — when and why special techniques matter.
Learning High-Speed Design with the LattePanda Mu Reference Design
Hands-on high-speed design course using the LattePanda Mu as a reference.
A Primer on High-Speed PCB Design
Core concepts and principles for high-speed PCB design.
What Are We Designing in This Course?
Overview of the high-speed carrier board project for this course.
Setup the New KiCad Project
Initial project setup and configuration for the high-speed design course.
Setup the Schematic Editor
Configure the schematic editor for hierarchical high-speed design.
Setup Grid and Avoid My Mistakes
Grid configuration tips and common pitfalls to avoid in high-speed layouts.
Create the Hierarchical Sheets
Organize complex schematics using KiCad's hierarchical sheet feature.
LattePanda Mu Schematic Sheet
Creating the schematic sheet for the LattePanda Mu carrier board.
Electrical Rules Check
Run and interpret KiCad's ERC to catch schematic errors before layout.
PCB Layers Count Considerations
How to determine the optimal number of layers for your high-speed PCB.
Layout Editor Setup and Basic Configuration
Configure the PCB layout editor for high-speed design work.
Layout – Board Outline and Import Components
Set up the board outline and import component footprints into the layout editor.
Layout – Impedance and Stack-Up Calculations
Calculate impedance and define the PCB stack-up for high-speed signals.
Routing Preparation and Plan
Plan your routing strategy before starting high-speed PCB layout.
Differential Pair Length Tuning Guide
Step-by-step guide to tuning differential pair lengths in KiCad.
Track Length Limits
Understanding and managing track length constraints in high-speed design.
DFM Analysis and Improvements
Design-for-manufacturing analysis and how to improve your PCB for fabrication.
Other recommended KiCad articles
My search for the ideal PCB design tool
A journey through PCB design tools and why KiCad was the final choice.
How to use FreeRouting to route a 4-layer board
Use the FreeRouting autorouter to handle complex 4-layer routing tasks.
How to align and distribute multiple footprints in Pcbnew
Use KiCad's alignment and distribution tools for clean footprint placement.
My story to Kicad Like a Pro
The story behind writing the KiCad Like a Pro book.
Wayne Stambaugh talks about Kicad's past, present, and future
Podcast interview with KiCad's lead developer about the project's history and roadmap.
An interview with Jon Evans, KiCad Core Team Member
Podcast interview with a KiCad core team member about development and community.
Reference Designations For Electrical & Electronics Parts & Equipment
What reference designators are and how KiCad assigns them.
Appendix A: Reference Designator Standards
Industry-standard reference designator conventions.
Appendix B: Class Designation Letters
IEEE 315 / ASME Y14.44 class designation letter standards.
Appendix C: List of nonconforming class letters
Non-standard but commonly used reference designator letters.
Appendix D: System subdivision
How to subdivide complex systems using reference designators.