PCB Design in KiCad: A Practical Beginner's Guide
From schematic to Gerber in KiCad 7. Component placement, trace routing, design rule checks, and generating manufacturing files, step by step.
KiCad is the best free PCB design tool available and it's what we use at Kyzer for all our PCB work, from simple breakout boards to 4-layer motor driver PCBs. This guide takes you from blank project to manufactured board.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Project
Download KiCad 7+ from kicad.org. Create a new project: this generates a .kicad_pro file that links your schematic (.kicad_sch) and board layout (.kicad_pcb) files. Before you start, configure your design rules: go to File → Board Setup → Constraints and set minimum track width (0.2mm for standard JLCPCB specs), minimum clearance (0.2mm), and via diameter (0.6mm drill, 1.2mm pad for standard).
Step 2: Drawing Your Schematic
Open the Schematic Editor. Press A to add symbols. KiCad has an enormous built-in library. For custom ICs not in the library, install community libraries from kicad.github.io/kicad-packages3D or create your own symbol (it takes about 10 minutes). Connect components with wires (W key) and add power symbols (PWR_FLAG on VCC and GND nets). Label your nets clearly: good net names save hours during layout. Run ERC (Tools → Electrical Rules Checker) before moving to layout.
Step 3: Assigning Footprints
Every symbol needs a footprint, the physical copper pads on the board. Open the Footprint Assignment tool (Tools → Assign Footprints). Match each component to its package: a 0603 resistor uses Resistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric, a SOT-23 transistor uses Package_TO_SOT_SMD:SOT-23, and so on. For ICs, always cross-check the datasheet footprint dimensions against the KiCad footprint. Errors here are expensive.
Step 4: PCB Layout
Update the PCB from schematic (Tools → Update PCB). You'll see your components in a cluster with ratsnest lines (thin lines showing connections to be made). Place components logically: keep decoupling capacitors within 1–2mm of their IC's power pin. Route high-current traces wider (motor drives need 1–2mm tracks for 5A+). Use the DRC (Inspect → Design Rules Checker) constantly. Don't wait until the end. Add a ground pour on the back copper layer (Add Filled Zone → GND net) to reduce noise and improve current return paths.
Step 5: Generating Gerbers for JLCPCB
File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerbers. Settings for JLCPCB: Plot format Gerber, check "Use Protel filename extensions", include copper layers, edge cuts, silkscreen, soldermask, and courtyard. Also generate the Drill Files (NC Drill, Excellon format, separate file for PTH/NPTH). Zip all output files and upload to jlcpcb.com. Standard 2-layer 100×100mm boards cost around ₹250 for 5 pieces with 7-day shipping to India.
Common Beginner Mistakes
1. Forgetting to add mounting holes 2. No silkscreen reference designators (makes assembly hell) 3. Copper pour touching SMD pads (causes solder bridging) 4. Via too close to pad (DRC will catch this) 5. Wrong footprint for component package - always measure your physical component 6. No test points on critical nets 7. Importing Gerbers directly without checking in GerberViewer first