Importing Eagle files into KiCad can be a daunting task, but it is possible with the right tools and techniques. The first step is to convert the Eagle files to a format that KiCad can understand. There are several different ways to do this, but the most common is to use a third-party converter tool such as Eagle2KiCad or pcb2kicad. Once the Eagle files have been converted, they can be imported into KiCad using the “File” > “Import” > “PCB” menu. The imported files will be placed in a new project, and you can then begin editing them in KiCad.
There are several things to keep in mind when importing Eagle files into KiCad. First, the two programs use different coordinate systems. In Eagle, the origin is located at the bottom left corner of the board, while in KiCad the origin is located at the top left corner. This can lead to confusion when placing components, so it is important to be aware of the difference. Second, KiCad does not support all of the features that are available in Eagle. This means that some of the features in your Eagle design may not be preserved when you import it into KiCad. Finally, KiCad uses a different set of libraries than Eagle. This means that you may need to find new libraries for some of the components in your Eagle design.
Despite these challenges, importing Eagle files into KiCad is possible. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully convert your Eagle design to KiCad and continue working on it in the powerful KiCad environment.
Installing KiCad and Eagle Import Plugin
To begin, you’ll need to install KiCad, an open-source EDA suite, and the Eagle Import plugin that allows you to import Eagle files into KiCad. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Installing KiCad
1. **Download KiCad**: Go to the KiCad website and download the latest stable release for your operating system.
2. **Install KiCad**: Follow the installation instructions provided by KiCad.
Installing Eagle Import Plugin
1. **Download Eagle Import Plugin**: Go to the KiCad website and download the Eagle Import plugin for your KiCad version.
2. **Extract Plugin**: Extract the downloaded ZIP archive to a convenient location.
Manually Installing the Plugin
a. **Locate KiCad Plugin Folder**: Usually found at
b. **Copy Plugin Files**: Copy the extracted plugin files (e.g., eagle_import.py, eagle_import.xml) into the KiCad plugin folder.
Installing the Plugin via KiCad Package Manager
a. **Open KiCad**: Launch KiCad and go to **Preferences** → **Plugin Manager**.
b. **Install Plugin**: Click **Install** and browse to the extracted plugin folder. Select the extracted eagle_import.xml file and click **Open**.
c. **Restart KiCad**: KiCad will require a restart to load the newly installed plugin.
| Method | Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Manual Installation | Advanced users or those who prefer manual configuration |
| Package Manager Installation | Recommended for ease of use and future updates |
Configuring KiCad to Read Eagle Files
To configure KiCad to read Eagle files, you will need to install the Eagle2KiCad extension. This extension can be downloaded from the KiCad website. Once the extension is installed, you will need to open the Preferences dialog box in KiCad and select the “Import/Export” tab. In the “Import/Export” tab, you will need to select the “Eagle2KiCad” extension from the list of available extensions. Once the extension is selected, you will need to click on the “Configure Extensions button” and set the following options:
eagle2kicad Path
This option specifies the path to the eagle2kicad executable. The eagle2kicad executable is located in the KiCad installation directory.
Eagle Version
This option specifies the version of Eagle that you are using. The Eagle version can be found in the Eagle Help menu.
Input File
This option specifies the path to the Eagle file that you want to import.
Output File
This option specifies the path to the KiCad file that you want to create.
Log File
This option specifies the path to the log file that will be created during the import process.
| Option | Description |
|—|—|
| eagle2kicad Path | Path to the eagle2kicad executable |
| Eagle Version | Version of Eagle that you are using |
| Input File | Path to the Eagle file that you want to import |
| Output File | Path to the KiCad file that you want to create |
| Log File | Path to the log file that will be created during the import process |
Opening the Eagle File in KiCad
To import an Eagle file into KiCad, follow these steps:
- Open KiCad and create a new project.
- In the KiCad project manager, right-click on the project name and select “Import Eagle PCB.”
- Browse to the Eagle file you want to import and click “Open.”
- KiCad will import the Eagle file. The imported file will be displayed in the KiCad PCB editor.
- 4. Troubleshooting
- Make sure that you are using the latest version of KiCad.
- Make sure that the Eagle file is a valid Eagle file.
- Try importing the Eagle file into a new KiCad project.
- If you are still having problems, you can ask for help on the KiCad forums.
- Eagle’s “board” layer is not a physical layer in KiCad, but rather represents the outline of the PCB.
- KiCad does not support Eagle’s “dimension” layer type. Dimensions should be transferred manually or using a separate tool.
- Eagle’s “user” layers are mapped to KiCad’s “Custom Layers” layer group.
- Install Python on your system.
- Locate the KiCad script file “eagle2kicad_sch.py” in the KiCad installation directory.
- Open a command-line interface (e.g., Terminal on macOS or Command Prompt on Windows).
- Navigate to the directory containing the Eagle schematic file.
- Run the following command:
“`
python eagle2kicad_sch.py input.sch output.sch
“`Manual Conversion
Alternatively, you can manually convert Eagle schematics using the following steps:
- Open the Eagle schematic file in a text editor.
- Replace all instances of “eagle” with “kicad”.
- Remove the “.sch” extension from the line starting with “Design.”.
- Save the file as a KiCad schematic (“.sch” extension).
Tips for Manual Conversion
To ensure a successful manual conversion, consider the following tips:
Issue Solution Missing Libraries Download and install the KiCad equivalents of the missing Eagle libraries. Incorrect Component Pinouts Use a KiCad component editor or schematic capture tool to manually correct the pin assignments. File Hierarchy Differences KiCad represents schematics differently than Eagle. Organize your KiCad project accordingly. Converting Eagle PCBs to KiCad PCBs
Importing Eagle PCB designs into KiCad allows for seamless integration and further development. Here are the key steps involved in the conversion process:
1. Install a Conversion Utility
Start by installing a conversion utility such as “PCB2KiCad” or “Eagle2KiCad.” These tools provide the necessary functionality to translate Eagle files into KiCad-compatible formats.
2. Prepare the Eagle Files
Ensure that the Eagle files are clean and accurate. Remove any unnecessary layers or components that may not be required in KiCad.
3. Run the Conversion Utility
Open the conversion utility and select the Eagle file to be converted. Specify the output file format as KiCad’s .kicad_pcb file.
4. Adjust the KiCad Settings
Once the conversion is complete, open the .kicad_pcb file in KiCad. Adjust the board settings, such as units and grid size, to match your requirements.
5. Fix Component Footprints
The conversion process may not always perfectly recreate component footprints. Check and adjust any footprints that do not match the original Eagle design.
6. Re-route Tracks
Some tracks may require rerouting due to differences in the routing algorithms between Eagle and KiCad. Use the “Route Tracks” feature to manually adjust the track layout.
7. Check and Validate the Design
Thoroughly check the converted design for any errors or inconsistencies. Validate the design using KiCad’s built-in design rule checker and make necessary modifications.
Error Types Possible Causes Troubleshooting Steps Missing components Components not included in the Eagle file Add missing components to the Eagle file before conversion Incorrect footprints Conversion utility error or Footprint library mismatch Check and manually adjust footprints as needed Broken tracks Routing algorithm differences Manually re-route tracks to ensure continuity Customizing the Imported Eagle Files
Once the Eagle files have been imported into KiCad, there are a few things that you can do to customize them.
1. Editing the Schematic
The schematic can be edited in KiCad’s Eeschema. You can add or remove components, change the connections between components and edit the text on the schematic.
2. Editing the PCB Layout
The PCB layout can be edited in KiCad’s Pcbnew. You can move components around, change the size and shape of the board, and add or remove copper traces.
3. Renaming the Files
The imported Eagle files will have the same names as the original files. You can rename the files by right-clicking on them in the KiCad project tree and selecting the “Rename” option.
4. Adding a Project Title
You can add a project title to the KiCad project by clicking on the “Project” menu and selecting the “Project Properties” option. In the “Project Properties” dialog, enter a title for the project in the “Title” field.
5. Saving the Project
Once you have made your changes to the Eagle files, you can save the KiCad project by clicking on the “File” menu and selecting the “Save” option.
6. Generating Documentation
You can generate documentation for your KiCad project by clicking on the “File” menu and selecting the “Generate Documentation” option. The “Generate Documentation” dialog will allow you to choose the type of documentation that you want to generate.
7. Adding a Bill of Materials (BOM)
You can add a BOM to your KiCad project by clicking on the “File” menu and selecting the “Add BOM” option. The “Add BOM” dialog will allow you to choose the format of the BOM.
8. Running Design Rule Checks (DRCs)
You can run DRCs on your KiCad project by clicking on the “Tools” menu and selecting the “Run Design Rule Checks” option. The “Run Design Rule Checks” dialog will allow you to choose the DRC rules that you want to run.
9. Converting the KiCad Project to a Gerber File
Once you have finished designing your PCB layout, you can convert it to a Gerber file by clicking on the “File” menu and selecting the “Generate Gerber Files” option. The “Generate Gerber Files” dialog will allow you to choose the settings for the Gerber files.
Option Description X2 Gerber layer The top copper layer Y2 Gerber layer The bottom copper layer B2 Gerber layer The solder mask layer T2 Gerber layer The top silkscreen layer B1 Gerber layer The bottom silkscreen layer Saving and Verifying the Converted KiCad Files
1. Save the KiCad Project File
After importing the Eagle file, save the converted KiCad project file in EESchema or PCBNew format. This will create a new project folder containing the schematic and PCB layout files.
2. Verify the Schematic
Open the schematic file (.sch) in EESchema and carefully review it. Ensure that all components have been successfully transferred and that the connections are correct.
3. Verify the PCB Layout
Open the PCB layout file (.pcb) in PCBNew and zoom in to inspect the layout. Check the positions and orientations of components, as well as any traces, vias, and copper pours.
4. Run DRC Checks
Perform Design Rule Checks (DRCs) in PCBNew to identify any potential errors or violations. Correct any issues found before proceeding.
5. Perform Electrical Rule Checks (ERCs)
Run ERCs in EESchema to verify the electrical connectivity of the schematic. Ensure that all nets are properly connected and that there are no errors.
6. Generate Gerbers and Drill Files
Once the schematic and layout have been verified, generate Gerber files and drill files for fabrication. These files define the physical details of the PCB, including the copper traces, soldermask, and drill holes.
7. Create a Bill of Materials (BOM)
Generate a BOM from the converted KiCad project. The BOM lists all components used in the design and their respective quantities and values.
8. Review and Finalize the Files
Carefully review all generated files, including Gerbers, drill files, and BOM. Make any necessary adjustments or corrections before sending them for fabrication.
9. Store the KiCad Project
Save the entire KiCad project folder in a secure location. This includes the schematic, layout, Gerbers, drill files, BOM, and any other relevant documentation.
How to Import Eagle Files to KiCad
KiCad is a free and open-source EDA (electronic design automation) software suite. Eagle is a commercial EDA software suite. Both KiCad and Eagle are used to design printed circuit boards (PCBs). If you have a design file for a PCB that was created in Eagle, you can import it into KiCad to make changes or to continue working on the design.
To import an Eagle file into KiCad, follow these steps:
- Open KiCad.
- Click on the “File” menu and select “Import”.
- In the “Import” dialog box, select the Eagle file that you want to import.
- Click on the “Import” button.
KiCad will import the Eagle file and create a new project for the design. The new project will contain all of the components and nets from the Eagle file.
People Also Ask about How to Import Eagle Files to KiCad
How do I open an Eagle file in KiCad?
To open an Eagle file in KiCad, follow the steps outlined in the “How to Import Eagle Files to KiCad” section above.
Can I edit Eagle files in KiCad?
Yes, you can edit Eagle files in KiCad. However, some features of Eagle files may not be supported in KiCad. For example, KiCad does not support Eagle’s “ratsnest” feature.
How do I convert an Eagle file to a KiCad file?
To convert an Eagle file to a KiCad file, you can use the “Import” feature in KiCad. KiCad will automatically convert the Eagle file to a KiCad file.
If you encounter any problems importing an Eagle file into KiCad, try the following:
| Error | Solution |
|---|---|
| Eagle file is not a valid Eagle file | Use a different Eagle file |
| KiCad is not able to import the Eagle file | Update KiCad to the latest version |
Mapping Eagle Layers to KiCad Layers
When importing Eagle files into KiCad, it’s crucial to map the appropriate Eagle layers to their corresponding KiCad layers. This ensures that the layer-specific information is correctly transferred during the import process.
Eagle Layers and KiCad Equivalents
The following table provides a mapping between Eagle layers and their KiCad equivalents:
| Eagle Layer | KiCad Layer |
|---|---|
| board | Edge.Cuts |
| etch (top) | F.Cu |
| etch (bottom) | B.Cu |
| dielectric | F.Mask |
| solder (top) | F.Paste |
| solder (bottom) | B.Paste |
| silk (top) | F.SilkS |
| silk (bottom) | B.SilkS |
| dimension | Dimension |
| user (1-16) | Custom Layers |
Mapping Custom Layers
Eagle files may contain custom layers that are not directly supported by KiCad. To import these layers, you can create custom layers in KiCad with matching names. During the import process, KiCad will automatically map the custom Eagle layers to the newly created KiCad layers.
Remapping Layers
If the default layer mapping is not suitable for your project, you can manually remap layers. To do this, open the “Layer Mapping” dialog in the KiCad import plugin. Here, you can select the Eagle layer on the left and assign the corresponding KiCad layer on the right.
Additional Considerations
When mapping Eagle layers to KiCad layers, consider the following additional points:
Converting Eagle Schematics to KiCad Schematics
Eagle to KiCad Conversion Script
This method utilizes a script to convert Eagle schematics to KiCad format. KiCad provides a Python script that automates the conversion process. Here’s how to use it:
