Summary of "KiCAD to Flux - Docs - Importing Parts"

KiCad to Flux: importing parts (Flux Docs tutorial)

What the video covers

This tutorial demonstrates options for creating parts in Flux and focuses on importing KiCad parts. Creation options include importing from KiCad or other EDA tools, building parts from scratch, or using AI (from datasheets). The video specifically walks through importing KiCad parts and managing their assets in Flux.

Brief KiCad preparation

Before importing, prepare parts in KiCad:

Create parts in KiCad’s Symbol Editor (either a new global library or a project library saved locally).
Add pins/labels and draw the schematic symbol.

Step-by-step import workflow in Flux

Start import
- Click the Flux logo → Import → choose “KiCad Parts”.
- Select a KiCad .lib (library) or an individual symbol file. If the library contains multiple symbols, Flux will list them all.
- Confirm and import. The imported part opens in a new tab once processed.
Privacy & sharing
- Imported or created parts are private by default.
- Use the Share button to change permissions (view/comment) if you want to share parts with others.
Symbols vs. footprint vs. 3D model (Assets)
- Flux treats the schematic symbol, PCB footprint, and 3D model as separate assets.
- On import, Flux automatically generates an SVG symbol that matches the KiCad schematic symbol.
  
  Note: symbol visibility may require publishing and using the part in a project.
- Footprint and 3D model are NOT auto-linked; you must import and link them manually.
Adding footprint and 3D model assets
- Open the Inspect panel (right), scroll to the bottom to the Assets section → Manage → Add Item.
- Upload footprint and 3D model files from your machine, give each an intuitive asset ID, and save.
Linking footprint to the part (PCB view)
- Switch to PCB view and select the footprint object in the objects tree.
- Add an object‑specific rule → search for Assets → add the asset and select its ID.
- The pads will update to represent the linked footprint. Terminals in Flux function like KiCad pins and are attached to pads by default; you can edit pad shapes/sizes to create custom footprints.
Publish to library
- To make the part usable in other projects: Flux logo → Publish to Library.
- The part will be indexed and you can set sharing permissions during publish. Publishing takes a few seconds.

Key tips / notes

Terminals in Flux correspond to KiCad pins and are the connection points used in schematics; they tie to PCB pads by default.
Treat symbol, footprint, and 3D model as separate steps — do not expect footprints or 3D models to be auto-populated.
Use clear, descriptive asset IDs to make linking straightforward.