EEVblog Electronics Community Forum

Electronics => PCB/EDA/CAD => KiCad => Topic started by: TimFox on March 19, 2020, 06:37:27 pm

Title: Editing part description -- new user
Post by: TimFox on March 19, 2020, 06:37:27 pm

I just installed KiCad, mainly for schematic capture for discrete and vacuum-tube circuits.
I started by generating new symbols for my intended vacuum tubes.  I started by creating a new library (since I don't have permission to save to the supplied directory), opening a similar part, and did "copy as" to a new part name (e.g., 6AK5).  I then made required changes to the symbol (mainly pin numbers).  However, the description (second item on the menu, after "6AK5", such as "pentode" or "dual triode" remained on the file.  I need to change some of them (especially ones that specified power level, and I generated a dual-diode from a dual-triode part).  I can't find a way to edit that field, pending arrival of a textbook.  Any information?

Title: Re: Editing part description -- new user
Post by: awallin on March 19, 2020, 06:49:49 pm

in the symbol editor:
edit / properties
or the 'edit symbol properties' in the icon-bar

Title: Re: Editing part description -- new user
Post by: TimFox on March 19, 2020, 06:58:05 pm

Thanks.  As normal with new (to me) software, I had to look around to find the correct edit tab.  Works now.

Title: Re: Editing part description -- new user
Post by: Doctorandus_P on March 20, 2020, 04:44:57 pm

When starting with KiCad, I recommend to do a few small projects to get the feel of it. And only then start putting effort in porting custom libraries.

The built in "help" files are quite good, and the latest and best up to date tutorials and help files are on the "FAQ" section of the KiCad forum, and it even has a separate entry as index:
https://forum.kicad.info/t/start-here-frequently-asked-questions/8890 (https://forum.kicad.info/t/start-here-frequently-asked-questions/8890)