Built-in Libraries
Components need separate assets: a schematic symbol, a PCB footprint, and optionally a 3D model. Available libraries depend on the installation and project settings; no catalog covers every package.
Open the intended project and confirm library access before choosing or installing parts. New generation and review controls require a compatible build and host.
Searching Components
Search the native symbol or footprint browser by library name, function, or package. In chat, give an exact manufacturer part number when known, or the required electrical conditions when choosing a part.
“Find a 3.3 V regulator for a 5 V input and 500 mA load” is more useful than “find a regulator.” Include package, temperature, and sourcing requirements that affect the choice.
AI Component Selection
- In Ask, discuss candidates without requesting CAD changes.
- Review the exact part, package suffix, ratings, pinout, and manufacturer datasheet.
- Use an available catalog part, or generate and review a missing part.
- Check whether the generated part was automatically approved and actually installed, or still needs your review. Request placement separately in an editable project.
- Inspect the placed symbol's references and nets before updating the PCB.
A module is not interchangeable with its bare IC. A matching name or pin count does not establish electrical or footprint compatibility. Automatic simulation review, when enabled, considers model feasibility early without replacing an exact user-selected part merely for simulation convenience.
Real-Time Availability
Where supported, catalog or distributor results can show stock and price. Check the quoted quantity, currency, package, and timestamp with the distributor before ordering. Search failure or timeout means availability is unknown, not that the part does not exist.
Ordering Components
Review the exported BOM against the selected variant. Confirm exact orderable part numbers, quantities, alternatives, and fitted status with the assembler. See manufacturing.
Custom Libraries
Use project or personal libraries as appropriate. Check library paths on another machine rather than assuming installation shares the files with teammates.
Accepted native generated parts go into TraceComponents. Trace Plugin uses the host project's TraceParts libraries; the first KiCad registration can require reopening the project. See Component Editor and companion review.
Creating Components
The compatible native Component Editor provides Generate with AI from a part number or description, with an optional datasheet. Review the symbol, footprint, and available 3D preview before Accept & install.
With Auto-approve components that pass every check On, eligible generated parts can install without that click. The setting is On by default in compatible builds; drawing verification, no waived checks, an independent second review, and a non-replacing install are required. Read the card's installation outcome and remaining notes, then inspect the library entry before placement.
Native installation uses TraceComponents; companion installation uses the project's TraceParts. Their settings and removal controls differ. See automatic approval and companion review and Undo.
Use the native symbol/footprint editors for manual library editing where available. Do not confuse those editors with the Component Editor's generation flow.
Simulation Models Are Separate
A symbol, footprint, datasheet, or 3D model is not an electrical simulation model. Compatible native schematic sessions can use supported built-in/generic models, a design's own SPICE library, or explicitly bound vendor/user models. A usable generic model does not establish exact-part behavior.
Keep the exact part/package and pin association when installing a model. See Simulation for model selection, attachment installation, and qualification limits.
Footprint Assignment
Choose the footprint in symbol properties or the footprint-assignment browser. You can request assistance, but inspect each assignment:
- Pin numbers must map to the correct pads, including exposed pads and unused pins.
- Package dimensions, pitch, drill, pad geometry, and pin-1 orientation must match the exact package drawing.
- Multi-unit symbols must have the correct unit and common power-pin behavior.
- A 3D model supports visualization; it does not certify manufacturing tolerances or assembly clearance.
Save, review Update PCB from Schematic, and check the resulting footprints and pad nets.
If Acquisition or Installation Fails
Read the specific result: unavailable catalog, missing library, incomplete generation, rejected review, or installation failure. Keep a pending review rather than claiming the part is usable. Check the library after a reported installation and after reopening; do not place an unverified substitute to work around a missing part.
Use Artifacts for reusable datasheets and specifications; a reusable document does not automatically populate a component's Datasheet field.