Summary of AN INKSCAPE EXTENSION FOR EXPORTING DRAWINGS INTO A KICAD PCB
Custom PCBs let designers control component placement, copper layout, and board shape for compact, professional, and low-parasitic circuits used in industries, medical devices, games, and maker projects. Designing involves creating an outline in vector software (like Adobe Illustrator), importing into PCB tools, adding copper zones, and placing components—tasks eased by an Inkscape extension by Budi Prakosa that exports drawings to KiCad. The extension supports drill pads and custom drill sizes, edge cut shapes, unlimited drawing shapes, and works on OSX, Windows, and Linux. An SVG-to-Eagle converter enables use with Eagle.
Parts used in theInkscape to KiCad PCB exporter project:
- Inkscape (vector drawing software)
- Inkscape extension file for KiCad export
- KiCad (PCB design software)
- Adobe Illustrator or similar vector editor (for creating outlines)
- SVG to Eagle CAD converter (for Eagle compatibility)
- Operating systems: OSX, Windows, Linux (platforms supported)
- Drill pad definitions and custom drill size settings (features)
- Edge cut layer/shape support (feature)
Certain electronic applications may require circuits that can fit in a small space, may call for the layout such that the outputs and input pins line up in the enclosure. This can all be possible with custom Printed Circuit Boards(PCBs).
Custom PCBs can be used in industries, medical equipment, games, and various other applications. Makers also create fancy custom PCBs for keychains, making gamepads, making decorative pieces, etc. Industries use custom PCBs for verification. They add various indicators in the PCB design to validate the prototype.
When you design a custom PCB, you have complete control over your design. In other words, you have control over the placement of every component and every piece of copper on the PCB. This control not only allows you to create circuits of various shapes and sizes but also to create circuits with minimal parasitics. Moreover, for some designers, appearance matters, and custom PCBs look more professional.
But designing a custom PCB is not an easy task. First, an individual has to create an outline of the PCB in Adobe Illustrator or similar software. Then, import it into PCB designing software and create bare copper areas. Finally, one arranges the components and creates the final design. Budi Prakosa, Frontend Engineer at Codeme.co.id made an Inkspace extension for exporting drawings into a KiCad PCB. To use the extension, you need to add the extensions file in InkScape ‘s User Extensions and then draw the PCB.
For using this feature with Eagle, you need to use this svg to Eagle CAD converter
Following are the features of this Inkspace extension:
- Draw Any kind of shapes without restriction
- Supports Drill Pad, and custom drill size
- Supports Edge Cut (PCB Shape)
- Works on OSX, Windows, and Linux
Read more: AN INKSCAPE EXTENSION FOR EXPORTING DRAWINGS INTO A KICAD PCB
- What does the Inkscape extension by Budi Prakosa do?
It exports Inkscape drawings into a KiCad PCB format. - Can I draw any PCB shape with this extension?
Yes, it allows drawing any kind of shapes without restriction. - Does the extension support drill pads and custom drill sizes?
Yes, it supports drill pad and custom drill size. - Can the extension define the PCB edge cut shape?
Yes, it supports Edge Cut (PCB Shape). - Which operating systems are supported by the extension?
It works on OSX, Windows, and Linux. - How do I install the Inkscape extension?
You add the extension file into Inkscape's User Extensions and then draw the PCB. - Can I use designs made in Illustrator with this workflow?
You create the outline in Illustrator or similar software, then import it into PCB designing software; the extension works from Inkscape drawings. - Is there a way to use the feature with Eagle?
Yes, you can use an svg to Eagle CAD converter for Eagle compatibility.
