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Making Your First PCB with KiCad
Making Your First PCB with KiCad
Designing your own printed circuit board (PCB) might sound tricky, but KiCad makes it possible for anyone to get started. It’s free, open-source, and used by hobbyists and professionals all over the world.
This guide will walk you through the key tasks for making a simple PCB. Each task has resources to help you learn more.
Task 1 – Get KiCad
Task 1 – Get KiCad
Task 2 – Draw Your Circuit
Task 2 – Draw Your Circuit
Open KiCad and create a new project.
In the Schematic Editor, add components like resistors, LEDs, and switches.
Connect them with wires.
Task 3 – Match Parts to Footprints
Task 3 – Match Parts to Footprints
Each symbol in your circuit needs a footprint – the solder-pad shape on the board.
Example: Resistor → “R_0805” footprint.
Example: IC → “SOIC-8” footprint.
Help: https://www.kicad.org/libraries/
Task 4 – Design Your Board
Task 4 – Design Your Board
Send your schematic to the PCB Editor.
Place your components neatly (big parts first, small ones after).
Use the routing tool to draw copper tracks between the parts.
Add a ground plane (a large copper area connected to GND) to make routing easier.
Task 5 – Check and Export
Task 5 – Check and Export
Run a Design Rule Check (DRC) to spot mistakes.
If it’s all good, generate Gerber files – these are what PCB manufacturers use.
Example: How to Order PCBs from JLCPCB
Extra Resources
Extra Resources
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