How to make PCB design in KiCad – Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

PCB design is not that much hard if you ask me.

If you’re an electronics hobbyist, student, or engineer, designing your own PCB (Printed Circuit Board) can take your project to the next level. KiCad is a free, open-source software that lets you create professional-quality PCBs. In this blog, you’ll learn how to design your first PCB in KiCad — step by step.

✅ Step 1: Install KiCad

• Visit the official KiCad website: https://kicad.org
• Download the latest version for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
• after all Installation you can open the software to get started.

✅ Step 2: Create a New Project

1. At first Open KiCad and click on File → New Project.
2. Choose a name and location for your project.
3. As a result This creates two main files:
   
   • .kicad_pro (project file)
   • .kicad_sch (schematic file)

✅ Step 3: Draw the Schematic Diagram

1. Open the Schematic Editor.
2. Use Place → Add Symbol (or press A) to add components like:
   
   • Resistors, capacitors, ICs, connectors, etc.
4. Use the Wire tool (W) to connect the components.
5. Name your signals using net labels for easy tracking.

💡 Tip: Use the built-in symbol libraries for thousands of components.

✅ Step 4: Assign Footprints to Components

1. Go to Tools → Assign PCB Footprints.
2. Link each schematic symbol to a physical footprint (e.g., DIP, SMD).
3. Save and close the footprint editor.

✅ Step 5: Update PCB Layout from Schematic

1. Click Update PCB from Schematic in the main window.
2. This will import all the components and connections into the PCB layout editor.

✅ Step 6: Create the PCB Layout

1. Open the PCB Editor?.
2. Arrange the components logically using drag-and-drop.
3. Use the Track tool to route all the electrical connections (nets).
4. Draw the board outline using the Edge.Cuts layer.
5. Keep an eye on spacing and design rules.

🛑 Avoid 90° trace bends and place components in a compact, logical layout.

✅ Step 7: Add Silkscreen Labels

• Switch to the F.SilkS (Front Silkscreen) layer.
• Add component labels, values, board version, or your logo.
• Keep the silkscreen clean and readable.

✅ Step 8: Run Design Rule Check (DRC)

1. Click Inspect → Design Rules Checker.
2. Review and fix any errors like:
   
   • Clearance issues
   • Unconnected nets
   • Overlapping traces

✅ Step 9: Generate Gerber Files

1. Go to File → Plot.
2. Select the layers needed by manufacturers:
   
   • Top/Bottom Copper
   • Silkscreen
   • Soldermask
   • Edge Cuts
3. Click Plot, then generate Drill Files.

These are your production files to send to PCB manufacturers.

✅ Step 10: Order Your PCB

Once your Gerber files are ready, upload them to a PCB manufacturing service such as:

• PCB power

Prior to that Choose your board specifications like:

• Quantity
• Color
• Thickness
• Delivery speed

💡 Bonus Tips

• Use the 3D Viewer in KiCad to preview how your board looks in real life.
• Learn essential shortcuts:
  
  • R – Rotate
  • M – Move
  • E – Edit Properties

🎯 Conclusion

Designing a PCB with KiCad might seem complex at first, but with a little practice, it becomes a powerful skill. From schematic to layout to Gerbers — KiCad gives you everything you need for professional PCB design.

🔧 Start small, design often, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every board you design will make you better!

1. PCB Design tool : Kicad