Kicad Like a Pro, 3rd Edition [PDF]

If you have never used KiCad and have little or no experience in PCB design, you should read this book it in a linear fashion. The first few chapters will give you the fundamental knowledge on which you will build your skill with the projects later in the book.
If you have a good working knowledge of PCB design, but you are new to KiCad, you can learn about the KiCad fundamentals in in the middle of the book, and then continue with the projects.
To get the full benefit of the book, you should consider the complementary video course. This course spans over 30 hours of high-definition video, with detailed explanations and demonstrations of all projects featured in the book. The video lectures capture techniques and procedures that are just not possible to do so in text.
Covers the latest KiCad version
The KiCad development team released KiCad 6 RC1 in November 2021, and 6.0 in December 2021. This is the largest release of KiCad ever. KiCad 6 is full of improvements and new features, including a new file format, a refreshed user interface (with a new theme editor), a new schematic editing paradigm, field name templates and text variables, and much more.
I wrote this book using KiCad 6.
Project-based learning
We learn best when we learn in context. Projects provide a context so that learners can understand not just how to do something, but also why it is done in a particular way. This book uses the project-based learning method to help you learn simple and complicated concepts and techniques. Use the book to guide you through these projects, experience the process of creating the boards yourself. Be in control, and be satisfied that you own your learning.
In project 1, design the simplest possible working PCB: an LED and resistor circuit.
In project 2, design a power supply that plugs in your breadboard. Use it to power your breadboard projects.
In project 3, design a 4x8x8 LED matrix display, your first 2-layer PCB.
In project 4, design an Arduino clone board that has a real-time clock and an external EEPROM. Practice layout in 4-layer, and use Git for version control.
In project 5, design an ESP32 clone. Design a layout in a confined space using the full arsenal of the KiCad toolbox.
Just learn
Learning should be a straight-forward, rewarding experience for you. This is why I have filled this book with clear instructions, triple checked, verified and illustrated.
Be illuminated, not confused.
Recipes
This book contains numerous recipes of the most useful workflows and activities in KiCad. Find what you need quickly, and get on with your project.
Examples include
Creating copper fills.
How to use Text Variables (new in KiCad 6).
How to add a custom logo to the silkscreen.
How to create rounded corners.
How to use an external autorouter.
How to use Field named templates (new in KiCad 6).
How to use Git for version control.
How to use the SPICE circuit simulator.
These and many more are all covered, with examples.