Hi,

I have download a PCB footprint from a vendor that includes a STEP (.STP) file of the part. I have added the footprint to my personal footprint library, but where can/should I put the 3D model file in order that it not be overwritten by future KiCad installations? I use KiCad nightly releases and I that see KiCad defines the path KICAD6_3DMODEL_DIR, but I suspect anything I put there might get blown away by a new install, which for me would be every day (max.).

Any thoughts?

Thank you.

开云体育

Hi

In my case, the 3D models folder are also part of my footprint libraries structure.

The footprint folder installed by Kicad is only a place were I grab what I need to populate my personal 3D folder.

Of course the KISYS3DMOD points to my personal 3D folder.

On 12/10/2021 19:03, Chris via groups.io wrote:

I have download a PCB footprint from a vendor that includes a STEP (.STP) file of the part. I have added the footprint to my personal footprint library, but where can/should I put the 3D model file in order that it not be overwritten by future KiCad installations? I use KiCad nightly releases and I that see KiCad defines the path KICAD6_3DMODEL_DIR, but I suspect anything I put there might get blown away by a new install, which for me would be every day (max.).

Anything that is not in the "official" libraries should be in *your* library store. Create your own library tree in a place of your choosing. Then you can define KICAD6_USER_3DMODEL_DIR, for example in the KiCad > Configure Paths dialogue. Do the same for KICAD6_USER_SYMBOL_DIR and KICAD6_USER_FOOTPRINT_DIR, etc.

It is often said that you should only use symbols and footprints that you have personally verified as being suitable for your specific purpose. Even if you don't change what's in the Github libraries, copy it to *your* library, then it won't change without you knowing about it.

--
Regards,
Tony

开云体育

Hi,

I have download a PCB footprint from a vendor that includes a STEP (.STP) file of the part. I have added the footprint to my personal footprint library, but where can/should I put the 3D model file in order that it not be overwritten by future KiCad installations? I use KiCad nightly releases and I that see KiCad defines the path KICAD6_3DMODEL_DIR, but I suspect anything I put there might get blown away by a new install, which for me would be every day (max.).

Any thoughts?

Depends on where your footprint points to and how you feel about changing that...

When you open the footprint in the footprint editor you have a button to edit the properties of the footprint itself. Its the second button from the left in this screenshot:

You get a dialog with all the properties. There is a tab for 3D models, on the top you can add as many 3D model files as you like.

I would recommend setting a variable (main window: Preferences -> Configure Paths) with your personal 3D models and then using paths relative to that.

??? have fun!
??? Konrad