PCB design with KiCad - updated for KiCad 9

A course for the world's favorite open source printed circuit board design software.

What you'll learn
- Updated for KiCad 9
- Printed Circuit Board design using KiCad.
- Single, double, and multi-layer board design.
- The PCB design process.
- The schematic design process.
- The layout design process.
- How to associate schematic symbols to footprints.
- How to create the layout of a PCB.
- Important PCB concepts, such as edge cuts, copper fills, mounting holes, soldermask, silkscreen, traces etc..
- A detailed knowledge of the KiCad CAD application (its apps, configuration, toolbars, menus, project files etc.).
- Project-based learning to ensure mastery of the topics taught.

Requirements
- A Linux, Windows or Mac OS computer.
- An Internet connection.
- A growth mindset.
- Patience to learn to mastery.

Description
This course is updated for KiCad 9

I have recorded several new lectures in Section 13 to explain the most important new features and improvements in KiCad 9.

The lectures in this section cover a range of topics, including the introduction ofJobsetsfor structured project management, theBezier curve toolin all editors, and theZone Managerfor improved control over copper pours. Other lectures discuss the use ofDesign Blocksfor reusing schematic and layout sections, updates to theAutorouter, and theMultiple Track Dragfeature for modifying routed traces more efficiently. Additionally, the section includes coverage ofPad Stackswith different copper shapes,3D model export improvements, thePrecision Positioning Toolfor accurate placement, and theTablesfeature for showing structured information in the schematic and the layout. TheSelection Filterin the schematic editor andComponent Classesare also explored, highlighting their role in refining schematic organization and circuit design.

Also… New project and recipes! I’ve added a brand-new hands-on project to this course: theTiny Solar Power Supply.

This project walks you through the complete design of a compact solar-powered regulator circuit, from schematic to PCB layout and preparation for manufacturing.

I’ve also expanded theRecipessection with new content that shows you how to useKiCad’s integrated circuit simulator. You’ll learn how to simulate basic analog circuits directly in the schematic editor — a powerful tool for validating your design before layout.

This course is updated for KiCad 8

This update contains many new and updated lectures to teach you the new features in KiCad 8. For those lectures that I created replacements for, I have moved them to new sections titled "Legacy" so you can still access them. Most new and updated content is in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 12 (Recipes).

Welcome to KiCad Like a Pro.

This course will help you learn how to design Printed Circuit Boards using KiCad.

KiCad is an open-source, free-to-use, and unrestricted tool for PCB design. It is the world's most popular open-source PCB tool for electronics engineers and hobbyists.

KiCad is supported by a dedicated team of volunteer developers and a growing community of users and contributors.

To create this edition of KiCad Like a Pro, I have used KiCad 7 and KiCad 8.

This course will teach you KiCad so that you can use it in your commercial or hobby projects. It takes a practical approach to learning that combines "how-to" content with complete start-to-finish PCB projects.

If you are new to PCB design, this course will help you start from the ground level. If you are an experienced PCB designer, this course will help you transition to KiCad from another tool or an earlier version of KiCad.

Please read the course description and watch the free lectures in the first section to get more information about this course.

I look forward to learning with you!

Who this course is for:
- Electronics hobbyists.
- Engineers.
- Users of other PCB CAD applications that wish to move to KiCad
- STEM students and teachers.
More Info