You want to have nice graphics on your board right? We sure do – and it’s not hard to make that happen!
Firstly – It makes sense to create a library before you import any graphics or make your own custom footprints for parts (if you already have this done, skip this step). To do this open the footprint editor:
Click file > new library:
Create a folder and save your library – name it something meaningful – general_parts / general_graphics….not test..as you’ll forget whats in there…been there..done that 😉 – for this tutorial we used demo.
Then select global and press ok
Creating the logo
Create your logo / fancy text (using Illustrator or Inkscape) as big as you possibly can!
(Our logo was 5000px wide!).
Save as a PNG in black and white only.
Open KiCad and then the Bitmap to Component Convertor
In the convertor, click Load Bitmap, and select your file.
As you change the resolution, you’ll see the size in mm changes, so change the resolution to what ever size that results in a useable mm size, in this case 18.3mm width. Remember to change both resolution fields to be the same!
You can alter the image options: black/white threshold…however we didn’t need to in this case.
Make sure Front silk screen is selected.
Now click export and save your file into the same folder where your library file was saved.
In footprint editor, use the search filter at the top to find your new library – in this case “demo”
Then File > Import Footprint from KiCad File…
Select your file…and you’re done!
You can now place the component on the silkscreen layer in the pcb builder just like anything else.
Putting your new logo / footprint on the bottom layer?
You’ll notice when you add your new logo/graphic it defaults to be on the top layer of the silkscreen – but not to worry, it’s easy to swap. Insert your footprint/logo then double click on it:
In the bottom left corner, simply change the Board side to be Back and press OK. You’ll notice the logo is backwards…remeber you’re looking at it through the board so it will print correctly when manufactured!
