Kicad: Add Logo

Looking to add a personal touch to your electronic projects? Adding a logo to your schematics and PCB designs in KiCad is a great way to do just that. Not only does it make your designs unique, but it also aids in brand recognition and project organization. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you add a logo to your KiCad projects.

Before we dive into the process, ensure you've placed your logo file (preferably in PNG format with a transparent background) in your project directory. KiCad supports various image formats, but PNG tends to work best due to its transparency handling.

Adding a Logo to Schematics

Including a logo in your schematics is a great way to tie your design together visually. Here's how you can do it:

the logo for kao id is shown in blue and yellow letters on a white background

a cat wearing glasses and a hat with a fan on it's head is flying through the air

the letter k is shown in purple and white on a black background with circles around it

* Open your schematic in KiCad Eeschema.

* Go to the "Measure Text" tool (F2) to add a new text element on your schematic.

the letter m is made up of two intersecting lines, and it appears to be blue

the letter x is made up of lines and dots in blue neon colors on a dark background

the letter k is shown in white and blue on a black background with an arrow

* Press 'T' to switch to text mode, then 'P' to place the text cursor at the desired location. Type or paste the path to your logo file (e.g., /path/to/your/logo.png).

* Press 'Enter' to confirm, then adjust the size and positioning of your logo using the mouse or the 'g' key for grid snapping.

Setting the Logo Image

Now that you've placed the logo, let's ensure it displays correctly:

the letter k is made up of arrows and letters that are white on black background

the logo for nopixel is shown in blue and green letters on a white background

Beginner's Guide to KiCad - SparkFun Learn

a pen with the letter k on it and an arrow in the middle is shown

the logo for yakac noder code create - conoverer in arabic

* Select the logo text, then click 'Edit' -> 'Set Image' or press 'I'.

* Ensure 'Show image' is checked, and 'Keep aspect ratio' is unchecked. Adjust the scaling and mirroring options as needed. Click 'OK' to confirm.

Editing Logo Appearance

To further customize your logo's appearance:

a blue square button with the letter k and gear wheels on it's side

the letters k and l are made up of different colors, shapes and font styles

Logo design

the icon for an app that is designed to look like a blue and black object

* Select the logo text, then click 'Edit' -> 'Change Text Properties' or press 'J'.

* In the 'Text properties' dialog, adjust font size, color, and line width to your liking. Click 'OK' to apply changes.

Adding a Logo to PCB Designs

Including a logo on your printed circuit boards adds a professional touch. Here's how to do it:

* Open your PCB design in KiCad PCBNew.

* Go to the "Place Graphic Item" tool (uron symbol) to add your logo.

* Click at the desired location to place the logo, then adjust its size and orientation using the mouse or the 'g' key for grid snapping.

Customizing Logo Layer

To ensure your logo appears on the desired layer (e.g., Top/SilkS, Bottom/SilkS, or Mask), follow these steps:

* Double-click the logo to open the 'Edit Graphic Item' dialog.

* In the 'Layer' dropdown, select the desired layer (e.g., F.Cu for top copper, B.Cu for bottom copper, or F.Silks for top silk screen). Click 'OK' to confirm.

Mirroring Logo for Bottom Layer

If you want your logo to mirror when placed on the bottom layer:

* Select the logo, then click 'Properties' -> 'Mirror graphic' or press 'M'.

* Check 'Mirror graphic vertically', then click 'OK' to confirm.

avalimaking designs more personal and recognizable. Whether you're a professional engineer or a hobbyist tinkerer, adding a logo to your KiCad projects is an easy way to infuse your work with a touch of personality. Happy designing!