The latest iteration of KiCad the world's best free-to-use Printed Circuit Board tool is
packed with features usually found only in expensive commercial CAD tools. This modern
cross-platform application suite built around schematic and design editors with auxiliary
applications is a stable and mature PCB tool. KiCad 8 is a perfect fit for electronic engineers
and makers. Here are the most significant improvements and features in KiCad 8 both over and
under the hood: Modern user interface completely redesigned from earlier versions Improved and
customizable electrical and design rule checkers Theme editor allowing you to customize KiCad
on your screen Ability to import projects from Eagle CADSTART and more Python scripting API
Improved integrated SPICE circuit simulator Multi-sheet schematics Filters define selectable
elements Enhanced interactive router helps you draw single tracks and differential pairs with
precision New or enhanced tools to draw tracks measure distances tune track lengths etc.
Advanced interactive router Built-in bill of materials generator Realistic ray-tracing capable
3D viewer Customizable teardrops Plug-in manager for quick installation of themes libraries
and functionalities such as autorouters and BOM generators This book will teach you to use
KiCad through a practical approach. It will help you become productive quickly and start
designing your own boards. Example projects illustrate the basic features of KiCad even if you
have no prior knowledge of PCB design. The author describes the entire workflow from schematic
entry to the intricacies of finalizing the files for PCB production and offers sound guidance
on the process. Further full-fledged projects of incremental difficulty will be presented in
a second book (ISBN 978-3-89576-628-2) together with a variety of advanced recipes.
