PartKit

An external action plugin for KiCad to import component packages (ZIPs, symbols, footprints, and 3D models) into your KiCad libraries.

How it works

1. Drop files: Drag and drop a ZIP archive (containing footprint, symbol, and 3D files) or individual .kicad_sym, .kicad_mod, or .step/.wrl files anywhere on the window.
2. Visual check: Previews the schematic symbol and PCB footprint side-by-side. Hovering over a symbol pin highlights the matching pad on the footprint (and vice versa) to confirm mapping.
3. Import: Copies and links the 3D model to the footprint, appends the symbol and footprint to your target libraries, and registers them in your sym-lib-table / fp-lib-table configurations.

Repository files

• __init__.py: KiCad plugin registration hook.
• partkit_action.py: GUI window panel, custom canvas drawing (wx.PaintDC), mouse hover/pan/zoom events.
• sexpr.py: Custom KiCad S-expression parser/serializer and table registry logic.
• icon.png: KiCad toolbar icon.

Installation

macOS

Symlink the PartKit directory to your KiCad plugins path:

ln -s "/path/to/PartKit" ~/Library/Preferences/kicad/10.0/scripting/plugins/PartKit

Windows

Copy the PartKit directory into: %APPDATA%\kicad\10.0\scripting\plugins\

Linux

Copy the PartKit directory into: ~/.config/kicad/10.0/scripting/plugins/

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Standalone Execution

You can run and test the GUI outside KiCad using KiCad's bundled Python interpreter (which has the required wx module):

macOS:

/Applications/KiCad/KiCad.app/Contents/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/Current/bin/python3 partkit_action.py