MandyMeindersma/PCB-artwork-workshop

This workshop will walk you through creating PCB artwork using Inkscape and KiCad.

There are three workflows:

1. Single-layer import style
2. Multi-layer footprint style
3. Placing a footprint from a library

These instructions trace the detailed procedure for the NYCR logo example. If you get stuck, checkpoint files are provided. That means you can skip steps and practice the techniques one step at a time.

When you repeat the procedure for your own graphics, you will not be able to skip steps.

This README contains the instructions for the three workflows. See the Outline.md file for the workshop outline.

This example will use the NYCR logo. I found it by

• nycresistor.com
• drag-and-drop the logo to desktop
• It is already in SVG format!

You can repeat this process or use the checkpoint file included in the repo:

💾 Checkpoint: NYCR-logo-phase-0-original.svg

Use google images and filter for Tools > Type > Line drawing. Also try searching for "vector" "graphics" or "clip art".

• In KiCad's pcbnew editor, create a new board. The file ends with .kicad_pcb.
• File > Import > Graphics > Select the SVG file

• Select the layer (F.Cu, F.Mask, etc.) and scale
• Move it around and rescale

💾 Checkpoint: NYCresistor-card-example1.kicad_pcb

• Open NYCR logo in Inkscape
• Ungroup elements until letters are separate
• Regroup elements based on which letters go together
• Scale everything to desired size to fit on the board. You will not be abe to rescale after exporting the footprint.
• Create layers (F.Cu, F.Mask, F.SilkS)

💾 Checkpoint: NYCR-logo-phase-1.svg

Notice it looks the same so far, but now we have layers and more reasonable groupings.

These are specific to the NYCR logo. You will need to adapt them to your own graphics.

Step 1: NYC: Single-layer silk screen

• Move "NYC" to F.Silk layer (Select elements, right click, Move to Layer...)
• Color the layer something (I used pink)

Step 2: RESISTOR: Metal multilayer

• Move "RESISTOR" to F.Mask layer.
• Color the layer something (I used brown)
• Then duplicate and move to F.Cu layer (make it orange)
• (optional, preferred) outset it to make it visible. (It is ok if the lines are not quite straight.)

Step 3: Graphic: Putting it together

• Use Stroke to Path for the resistor itself
• Move it to F.Silk layer.
• Duplicate and move to F.Cu layer.
• Change the color of the duplicate
• (optional, preferred) outset it to make it visible.
• With the outer circle, use your imagination. I used subtraction and rescale operations to put annuli on F.Cu and F.Mask layers.

💾 Checkpoint: NYCR-logo-phase-2.svg

• Download svg2mod

pip install svg2mod

svg2mod Documentation

• Convert to kicad module

svg2mod -p 1.0 -o nycr-logo.pretty/NYCR-logo.kicad_mod nycr_logo.svg

If precision is too low, it will look jagged. Decrease the precision value (e.g., -p 0.2) to get a smoother curve. The lower this number, the larger the file size.

💾 Checkpoint: NYCR-logo.kicad_mod

Edit footprint libraries: add nycr-logo.pretty

Confirm that it looks like this:

• Click "Place" button (hotkey: A)
• filter for "nyc"
• your footprint should appear in the list
• put it on the board somewhere

• In Kicad, select the outline layer (Edge.Cuts)
• Select the rectangle tool
• Pick a size (a credit card is 3.375" x 2.125")
• Right click, select "Fillet" and set the radius (a credit card has radius 0.125", about 3.2mm)

You can pick different dimensions. You can even use a circle. It's up to you. I recommend staying smaller than a credit card if you want to carry it around.

• ! Try flipping the footprint with "F" key. This is not possible with the direct import method.

💾 Checkpoint: NYCresistor-card-example2.kicad_pcb

• Practice moving the camera, play with raytracing, change board soldermask display color, etc.
• To change soldermask display color, go to File > Board Setup... > Physical Stackup

• Go to File > Plot
• Select these options
• Select the output directory "NameOfProject-tapeout"
• Click "Plot"

• Zip the gerber directory

• multiples of 3
• About $7 per board

1. Go to https://oshpark.com/
2. Drag and drop the gerber zip file into the window
3. Enter your email
4. Review each layer
5. Change options (defaults recommended)
6. Checkout (~$20 + free shipping)
7. Wait for delivery
8. Enjoy your new PCBs!

This is cheaper, faster, with more options (color, thickness, etc.). It also scales better for larger quantities (~70¢ per board @ 50 boards). Most of the cost is in tariffs and shipping, so we are going to prefer OSHPARK for prototyping.

If you want to do a more advanced production run, see the slides for JLCPCB instructions, but I recommend starting with prototyping.