KiCAD

3D result. KiCAD's GLB export misses some of the components, which is a bug to look into. I like the metalic material choice for rendering the copper.

PCB 3D rendered view.

Here is how it should look with all of the components, rendered with KiCAD's View > 3D Viewer.

Setup

KiCAD 9.0 was released a few weeks ago, and my instructor recommended starting with this new version.

After installing, I followed the directions to install the Fab Electronics Library for KiCAD. This makes it easier to use KiCAD, by limiting the library to parts that are available in Fab Labs. The maintainers keep the library up to date with the Fab Lab Inventory list, so parts in the library have correct footprints and 3D models that are integrated. Props Kris! The library can be updated with git pull, and I've seen parts added this week.

Zooming with the mouse wheel is different than other apps that I've used. The zoom action centers the drawing and moves the cursor to the center. In other apps, I'm used to overshooting the zoom target, so this feels quite different. I can see how it might be feel natural after a while.

Schematic Editor

KiCAD Schematic ERC interface. "Warning: Global label not connected anywhere else in the schematic."

Electrical Rules Checker showing a missing connection.

Final schematic design.

Result.

PCB Editor

KiCAD interface to set default dimensions.

Important to set these defaults to match the machine available.

Track: use netclass width > Edit pre-defined sizes > Net Classes.

Name	Default
Clearance	0.4 mm
Track Width	0.4 mm
Via Size	1.6 mm
Via Hole	0.8 mm

KiCAD PCB Editor DRC interface. "Error: Missing connection between items

Design Rules Checker showing that the filled zone for power ground is not connected.

Final PCB design.

Result.

I liked the puzzle of getting everything connected. I didn't manage to get one pin connected with a front trace, so I made through-holes with the intention of adding a jump wire to the back.

Cuttle to KiCAD

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I tested that SVGs made with Cuttle import with the correct scaling in KiCAD. This will be fun for fancy board shapes, and silk screen logos and info.