KiCad PCB design tutorial beginners

KiCad PCB design tutorial for beginners: project setup to Gerber export.

This tutorial gives beginners a practical KiCad workflow. The goal is not just to draw a board. The goal is to create a board package you can safely send to fabrication.

Quick KiCad workflow

Create a KiCad project, draw the schematic, assign footprints, update PCB from schematic, place parts, route tracks, run DRC, export Gerbers and drill files, then store the manufacturing package with BOM and release notes.

1. Create the schematic

Open KiCad, create a new project, and start in the schematic editor. Place symbols for your ICs, connectors, resistors, capacitors, LEDs, regulators, sensors, and modules. Use net labels instead of long wires when the schematic starts getting crowded.

Add power symbols for each rail.
Add decoupling capacitors near every IC supply pin.
Name important nets such as `VIN`, `3V3`, `SCL`, `SDA`, `MOTOR_PWM`, and `GND`.
Run ERC and resolve real warnings before moving to PCB layout.

2. Assign footprints carefully

Footprints are where many beginner boards fail. Check the exact part number and package before assigning a footprint. A `0805` resistor is not the same physical size as `0603`. A USB-C connector footprint must match the exact connector you bought.

3. Move to PCB layout

Use Update PCB from Schematic, define the board outline, and place components intentionally. Put connectors on board edges, keep power paths short, put decoupling capacitors close to ICs, and leave room for labels and test points.

Before routing, import or set manufacturer design rules. Beginner-friendly PCB fabs usually publish minimum track width, clearance, drill size, and annular ring rules.

4. Route the PCB

Route power first, then critical signals, then slower signals. Use wider traces for higher current. Keep ground continuity strong and avoid slicing the ground return path with unnecessary cuts.

Beginner rule: If a route looks clever but you cannot explain where current returns, simplify the layout.

5. Run DRC and export Gerbers

Run DRC and fix unconnected nets, clearance errors, and footprint problems. Then export Gerbers and drill files. Open the exported files in KiCad's Gerber viewer or another viewer before sending to a manufacturer.

Check copper layers, solder mask, silkscreen, board outline, drill holes, text orientation, and whether the correct revision is visible on the board.

6. Create a KiCad manufacturing release folder

Store the exported Gerber zip, drill files, BOM, schematic PDF, board image, assembly notes, and release notes in one folder. Name it with hardware revision and date, for example `HW-R1_prototype_2026-06-09`.

Download PCB folder template Read Gerber file management