How to add a symbol and footprint to existing KiCad libraries

Hello Jim,

Thanks for your message! To add symbols to an existing symbol library:
• Go to: Tools> Run Library Editor.
Once the on the Library Editor window:
• Go to: File> Current Library
• Select the library where you want to add de component.
Then on the toolbar
• Select “Import component”
• Select the *.lib file you want to import.
• Click on Open.
Once you see the symbol on the screen
• Select “Update current component on the current library” on toolbar.
• Go to File > Safe current Library > Yes.

For footprints the process is similar:
• Go to: Tools> Run Footprint Editor
Once the on the Footprint Editor window:
• Go to: File> Set active library
• Select the library where you want to add the component.
• Go to: File> Load Footprint > Import footprint from file.
• Select the footprint file you want to import
• Click on Open.
• Go to File> Save Footprint in Active Library> Ok.

Now you should find the footprint on the footprint library you selected.

In KiCad 5.0 this is not possible.

Hi Snap,

I think your second answer doesn't address the question. You showed how to add a whole library to the Global Libraries tab. I don't want a new library for every single part. For example, I'd like to have a library called something like: SNAP_OPAMPS.lib. Then when I make an op-amp using your tool, I'd like it to go in there. Any help would be appreciated.

--Aaron

In KiCAD 5.1.9 open symbol editor and right click on the target library into which you want to add the partto. Then choose "Import Symbol", and choose .lib file to import into symbol library.

Repeat the same process to import .kicad_mod file into the target library by opening footprint editor and right clicking on the target library, and choosing "Import footprint"

I think you should add it to your "Project Specific Libraries" (TAB) instead. It will be shown among all the components anyway.

I think I got it. You just import it into the library you want. You can use the schematic parts editor to make a new schematic library and the footprint editor to make a new pcb library. Once you've done that you can just import the SNAP parts into those.

sir i am using ki cad 6 but i am not finding how to add the symbel in lib and footprint

sir i am using ki cad 6 but i am not finding how to add the symbel in lib and footprint

sir i am using ki cad 6 but i am not finding how to add the symbel in lib and footprint

Hi Jim,

May we know what operating system do you use? Here are the updated steps on how to import symbols into Kicad 5.

1. In KiCad, go to Tools > Edit Schematic Symbols.
2. Click on Preferences > Manage Symbol Libraries.
3. Click on Browse Libraries and navigate to the downloaded .lib file.Then click OK. The library will appear in the Global Libraries tab.
4. In the table, make sure that the Plugin Type is set to Legacy. Then click OK.
5. Use the search bar on the left pane of the window to search for the imported symbol and double-click it to open.