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This repository contains the SparkFun KiCad Library of commonly used parts. It is a cultivated combination of KiCad stock parts, SparkFun-unique footprints, and open-source 3D models. The main branch is generally proven out but we apologize in advance if this library has errors. Please report any issues! We'll fix them quickly.
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This repository contains the SparkFun KiCad Libraries of commonly used parts. It is a cultivated combination of KiCad stock parts, SparkFun-unique footprints, and open-source 3D models. The main branch is generally proven out but we apologize in advance if these libraries have errors. Please report any issues! We'll fix them quickly.
**Note:** The SparkFun KiCad components contain internal part numbers (**PROD_ID-\***) for ease of manufacture for the SparkFun SMD lines.
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## Theory
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KiCad is very good and has a large number of industry specified symbols and footprints. SparkFun has a large number of unique parts and components created since 2002. Rather than converting all previous [SparkFun Eagle libraries](https://github.com/sparkfun/SparkFun-Eagle-Libraries) to KiCad, we are adding new parts to this library as we need them for new projects. This gives us the opportunity to clear out old badness, but opens the door to new badness (ie, incorrect footprints) so reader beware!
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KiCad is very good and has a large number of industry specified symbols and footprints. SparkFun has a large number of unique parts and components created since 2002. Rather than converting all previous [SparkFun Eagle libraries](https://github.com/sparkfun/SparkFun-Eagle-Libraries) to KiCad, we are adding new parts to these libraries as we need them for new projects. This gives us the opportunity to clear out old badness, but opens the door to new badness (ie, incorrect footprints) so reader beware!
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The SparkFun approach: when a new part needs to be added we decide whether to use a KiCad stock symbol, edit it for use, or create it from scratch. We give preference to the stock KiCad symbol. We give heavy preference to using the original SparkFun footprint, but look at the stock KiCad footprint for inspiration as well. We'll try to follow the [KiCad Library Conventions](https://klc.kicad.org/) where it makes sense.
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The SparkFun approach: when a new part needs to be added we decide whether to use a KiCad stock symbol, edit it for use, or create it from scratch. We give preference to the stock KiCad symbol. We give heavy preference to using the original SparkFun footprint, but look at the stock KiCad footprint for inspiration as well. We try to follow the [KiCad Library Conventions](https://klc.kicad.org/) where it makes sense.
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Additionally, SparkFun needs to assign various unique manufacturing data (ie, internal part numbers) to parts. To alleviate this, there is a large number of components with an identical symbol each with their own production ID information. For example, capacitors:
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## Installing and using these libraries
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The structure of these libraries is close to, but does not conform to the [KiCad Content libraries structure](https://dev-docs.kicad.org/en/addons/#_content_libraries). For that reason, you won't currently find these libraries in the KiCad Plugin and Content Manager.
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*[Installing a release via the KiCad PCM](#installing-a-release-via-the-kicad-pcm)
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*[Installing a release from zip file - without the PCM_ Library nickname prefix](#installing-a-release-from-zip-file---without-the-pcm_-library-nickname-prefix)
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*[Download the current libraries as a zip file](#download-the-current-libraries-as-a-zip-file)
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*[Using Git](#using-git)
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### Download ZIP
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### Installing a release via the KiCad PCM
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You can download a copy of the library by clicking on the big green `<> Code` button above and selecting the `Download ZIP` option. Unzip the file somewhere convenient, usually in `Documents`. Open the KiCad **Symbol Editor** and select `Preferences \ Configure Paths`. Add a new Environmental Variable called `SPARKFUN_KICAD_LIBRARY` and set the Path to the `SparkFun-KiCad-Libraries` folder :
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From the fall of 2025, releases of these libraries are available via the KiCad Plugin and Content Manager (PCM).
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Open the PCM, select the "Libraries" tab, and type "SparkFun" into the search box. The "Install" button will install the latest release of the libraries.
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Note: this method assumes you have the KiCad Library nickname prefix set to the default of 'PCM_'. If you have cleared the Library nickname prefix, use the [next option](#installing-a-release-from-zip-file---without-the-pcm_-library-nickname-prefix) to install from zip file.
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### Installing a release from zip file - without the PCM_ Library nickname prefix
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In the KiCad Preferences, you will find settings for "Packages and Updates". The "Library nickname prefix" is applied to any libraries installed through the Plugin and Content Manager (PCM).
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If you install these libraries trhough the PCM, the installation assumes the prefix is 'PCM_'. The symbol footprint names will all be prefixed with 'PCM_'. If you have cleared the prefix, you will need to manually install a different version of the libraries without the footprint prefix:
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* Navigate to the libraries [Releases page](https://github.com/sparkfun/SparkFun-KiCad-Libraries/releases)
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* You will find two zip file "Assets" attached to each release
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* Download the **"without-pcm"** zip file
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* In the PCM, use the "Install from File..." option to install the zip file
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If you are changing the Library prefix to use this installation method, we recommend: clearing the prefix, OK the changes, **close KiCad** and reopen before installing the zip file.
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### Download the current libraries as a zip file
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Instead of waiting for a release, you can download a copy of the libraries at any time by clicking on the big green `<> Code` button above and selecting the `Download ZIP` option. Unzip the file somewhere convenient, usually in `Documents`. Open the KiCad **Symbol Editor** and select `Preferences \ Configure Paths`. Add a new Environmental Variable called `SPARKFUN_KICAD_LIBRARY` and set the Path to the `SparkFun-KiCad-Libraries` folder :
Then select `Preferences \ Manage Symbol Libraries`. Click the folder button to "Add existing library to table". Navigate to the `SparkFun-KiCad-Libraries \ Symbols` folder, select all the `SparkFun-.kicad_sym` symbol files and click `Open` :
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Then select `Preferences \ Manage Symbol Libraries`. Click the folder button to "Add existing library to table". Navigate to the `SparkFun-KiCad-Libraries \ symbols` folder, select all the `SparkFun-.kicad_sym` symbol files and click `Open` :
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Then likewise in the **Footprint Editor**, select `Preferences \ Manage Footprint Libraries`. Click the folder button to "Add existing (KiCad folder)". Navigate to the `SparkFun-KiCad-Libraries \ Footprints` folder, select everything except the `3D-Models` folder (Strictly, that one is in the wrong place. Sorry about that) and click `Select Folder` :
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Then likewise in the **Footprint Editor**, select `Preferences \ Manage Footprint Libraries`. Click the folder button to "Add existing (KiCad folder)". Navigate to the `SparkFun-KiCad-Libraries \ footprints` folder, select everything and click `Select Folder` :
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If you're familiar with GitHub and Git / [GitHub Desktop](https://desktop.github.com/download/), you can stay completely up to date by cloning this repo.
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Again, add the Symbols and Footprints Paths as described in the previous section.
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Again, add the Symbols and Footprints Paths as described in the [previous section](#download-the-current-libraries-as-a-zip-file).
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If you use the "Watch All Activity" option above, you will be notified each time we Push changes in the libraries. You can then Pull the changes to stay completely up to date. (It's what we do!)
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If you use the "Watch All Activity" option above, you will be notified each time we Push changes in the libraries. You can then Pull the changes to stay completely up to date. (It's what we do at SparkFun!)
*[/3dmodels/3d-library.3dshapes](https://github.com/sparkfun/SparkFun-KiCad-Libraries/tree/main/3dmodels/3d-library.3dshapes) -- 3D models - usually in step format
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License
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-------------------
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This library is released under the [Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license.
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**You are welcome to use this library for commercial purposes.**
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This libraries are released under the [Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license.
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**You are welcome to use these libraries for commercial purposes.**
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For attribution, we ask that when you begin to sell your device using our footprint, you email us with a link to the product being sold.
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We want bragging rights that we helped (in a very small part) to create your 8th world wonder.
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We would like the opportunity to feature your device on our homepage.
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Please consider contributing back to this library or others to help the open-source hardware community continue to thrive and grow!
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Please consider contributing back to these libraries or others to help the open-source hardware community continue to thrive and grow!
Copy file name to clipboardExpand all lines: pcm/metadata_template.json
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"$schema": "https://go.kicad.org/pcm/schemas/v1",
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"name": "SparkFun KiCad Libraries",
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"description": "SparkFun's Libraries for KiCad 7 / 8 / 9",
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"description_full": "This library contains SparkFun's commonly used parts. It is a cultivated combination of KiCad stock parts, SparkFun-unique footprints, and open-source 3D models.",
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"description_full": "This library contains SparkFun's commonly used parts.\nIt is a cultivated combination of KiCad stock parts, SparkFun-unique footprints, and open-source 3D models.\n\nCheck your settings in Preferences -> Packages and Updates.\nIf you have the default Library nickname prefix 'PCM_', you can proceed to install the libraries through the PCM.\nIf you don't want that prefix, leave that field blank and install the libraries from zip file instead.\nThe installation link below has more details.",
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