Boost Your KiCad Efficiency with These Strategic Shortcut Keys
### Efficient KiCad Workflow: Customizing Keymaps and SVG Cheatsheets
In the world of electronic design automation, KiCad has emerged as a popular choice for its versatility and accessibility. Recently, Pat Deegan from Psychogenic Technologies shared a video demonstrating two tips aimed at reducing clicks by a million in KiCad, focusing on custom keyboard shortcuts and SVG cheatsheets.
#### Streamlining Your Workflow with Custom Keymaps
To start customizing your KiCad experience, you'll first need to download the latest version of KiCad, which is now at version 9. Obtain it from the official KiCad website and install it on your computer.
Once installed, you can begin customizing your keyboard shortcuts. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Open KiCad on your computer. 2. Go to `Preferences` > `Hotkeys` to view and edit the current keymap. 3. Modify existing shortcuts or add new ones based on your preferences. Pat Deegan suggests avoiding any key combinations that use the Shift key and choosing keys that are easy to reach and remember. 4. Save your changes to apply your new custom keymap.
#### Creating Efficient SVG Cheatsheets
To aid in memorizing your new shortcuts, you can create an SVG cheatsheet. Here's a simple guide:
1. List all the important keyboard shortcuts you use in KiCad. 2. Use a vector graphics editor like Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator to create an SVG file. 3. Organize your shortcuts into logical sections or categories (e.g., symbol placement, wire routing, etc.). 4. Export the file as an SVG for easy modification and high-quality rendering.
#### Utilizing Your SVG Cheatsheet
To effectively use your SVG cheatsheet:
1. Print the SVG file or display it on a separate monitor if available. 2. Refer to the cheatsheet frequently while working in KiCad to memorize new shortcuts more quickly.
#### Additional Tips
- Practice: The more you use your custom keymap and refer to the cheatsheet, the more fluent you will become with the shortcuts. - Regular Updates: Regularly update your keymap and cheatsheet as you discover more useful shortcuts or as KiCad updates its features.
Pat Deegan's video provides an explanation of his custom KiCad keymap and the rules of thumb he used to create it. Importable KiCad keymaps can be found in the downloads section, and customizable SVG cheatsheets are also available. Furthermore, Pat Deegan offers a free course for following along with his KiCad techniques.
By investing in KiCad keyboard shortcuts and learning touch typing, frequent computer users can significantly improve their efficiency and productivity. One-handed operation of the keyboard is recommended for efficient use, allowing the other hand to remain on the mouse. Typing with one hand can be mastered with practice, and it can lead to a more ergonomic and efficient workflow.
KiCad also supports Python scripting, which can be used for automation tasks, enhancing your workflow by automating repetitive tasks.
- To capitalize on the improvements brought about by customized keyboard shortcuts in KiCad, consider learning touch typing or operating the keyboard with one hand, freeing the other for the mouse, thus promoting an ergonomic and efficient workflow.
- To further optimize your workflow in technology-related fields involving electronics and KiCad, consider incorporating PCB designs into your SVG cheatsheets to have all essential shortcuts readily available for quick reference during your design process.
