CircuitMaker Component Libraries?

[Pack34]

I want to get back into some open source work and wanted to ditch Eagle in favor of CircuitMaker. I figured it would be easy to switch between CM and AD between OSHW and my job.

I like to keep my component libraries meticulous. Such as "Resistor 0402 Yageo", "Capacitor 0201 Murata", etc. I can clearly see how to make PCB projects, but for components it seems to be just Octopart listings.

Can you not make an integrated component library in CM? I know it's all supposed to be online and open, which is the point, but certainly I should be able to make an open source component library to support my open source PCB. Is this actually not the case? All components are just floating there in a single library in the cloud?

[xjordanx]

CircuitMaker only uses the centralized library.

Technically you can, by creating a new project, then using the "add existing to project" and browsing for your local library files.

It's recommended that afterwards you use the schematic RMB feature "Link to Octopart" to commit them to the main library - at which point they are automatically added to your Favorites in the Libraries panel drop-down, and you can find them again more easily for other projects.

[Simon]

Don't expect to be using a particular manufacturer. Supply at the moment is atrocious. I just use generic codes for passives like "1K2R 0805 1%" with the assumption these are 150ppm or better. Then buy an entire real of whatever I can find.

[Smokey]

Simon is on the right track.  The last step is to make yourself a cross reference spreadsheet or something and assign internal part numbers to each equivalent part group... so..

R0001 = "1K2R, 0805, 1%, 150ppm" or whatever.    Add all approved suppliers of that part as equivalent alternates.  Then you can reference the "R0001" number on your schematics and BOMs.  CM gets a copy of the cross reference spreadsheet, and everyone is happy.