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How do I use an imported .max file to get the footprints into a .pcblib? Only thing i get after importing the .max file is a .SWPcbDoc. I am trying to create a footprint library.

Question asked by Lee Havens on Feb 7, 2018
Latest reply on Feb 12, 2018 by Lee Havens

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Details on the process used to import:

First I go to file menu and then import the file (.max). Then a file .SWPcbDoc is created, mind you I already imported a .dsn file. Which gave me the schematics and symbols, as well as, creating its own .schlib. When I am look at the symbol in the library tab the symbol is there but the footprint is missing, even after importing the .max file. Can anyone explain how the imported files work, and How to you use the imported files to create the libraries that are needed?

Simon Knibbs Feb 12, 2018 11:13 AM

Correct Answer

If you have successfully imported a Board you can quickly create library using the "Make PCB Library" command.

Go to the search window top right and type in "make" and you will then see the command to click to make a library out of all the footprints on the board.

Once you have the library you can choose to edit it or just cut and paste into existing libs

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Markus Olsson Feb 8, 2018 8:29 AM

Hi,

I don't think you have that feature in SWPCB. Are there may different footprints that you want to add to a library?

If it's just a few you can actually select it and right click and copy it. Then you paste it into the PCBLIB file that you have created using the PCB library panel.

Now your footprint will end up in the PCBLIB file for further use.

BR
Markus

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Lee Havens @ Markus Olsson on Feb 8, 2018 11:05 AM

Good Morning,

There are many different footprints, about 30 different ones. Okay so when I import the .max file I can see the circuit board with all the footprints, but it doesn't put them in a library like the symbols did. I am not sure where it put all the information. So, I am not completely sure if I am doing something wrong at the import stage or I just don't know how to find the information. Is there a way to point to a location when importing the .max file? I wasn't able to fine a way to do this either. As you can see from the projects tab, these are all the files from my .dsn and .max import. I am new to SolidWorks PCB (2018) so I am still learning all the little details. I do understand how to create a schematic, footprint, and integrated library. I just not sure how importing old designs works, how/where it converts the files too.

Warm Regards,

Lee

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Douglas Labun @ Lee Havens on Feb 8, 2018 11:40 AM

What program were the footprints originally made in? I know how to import decals from PADS but it's rather convoluted.

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Lee Havens @ Douglas Labun on Feb 8, 2018 1:18 PM

good afternoon,

whole design was originally done in Orcad Capture & Layout 10.3v.

Warm Regards,

Lee

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Douglas Labun @ Lee Havens on Feb 8, 2018 2:56 PM

I haven't used Orcad since college, but it sounds SWPCB behaving the same with both Orcad and PADS footprints. The only way I have found to get PADS footprints into my library is to literally copy / paste them. If you don't mind waiting until this weekend I can post a video on how I import PADS foot prints.

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Lee Havens @ Douglas Labun on Feb 8, 2018 7:54 PM

Good Afternoon,

Certainly any help would be greatly appreciated. I just find it weird that when the board file (.max) is imported, and you view the board all the footprints are there (i have attached an image of the board). Starting to think its almost easier to start from scratch with all the footprints.

Warm Regards,

Lee

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Simon Knibbs Feb 12, 2018 11:13 AM

If you have successfully imported a Board you can quickly create library using the "Make PCB Library" command.

Go to the search window top right and type in "make" and you will then see the command to click to make a library out of all the footprints on the board.

Once you have the library you can choose to edit it or just cut and paste into existing libs

Actions

Markus Olsson @ Simon Knibbs on Feb 12, 2018 11:23 AM

Wow! Those hidden commands never stop to surprise me. Thank you so much for sharing this.

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Lee Havens @ Simon Knibbs on Feb 12, 2018 11:51 AM

Good Morning Simon,

Thank you so much. Why they hide how to do this is beyond me, but I am glad that you solve my problem. I knew there had to be some way. Thanks again, I am sure you just help more then just me by answering this question.

Warm Regards,

Lee

P.S. Thank you to everyone for trying to help, i do appreciate the fact that you took the time to try to help.

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9 Replies

Markus Olsson Feb 8, 2018 8:29 AM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
Hi,

I don't think you have that feature in SWPCB. Are there may different footprints that you want to add to a library?
If it's just a few you can actually select it and right click and copy it. Then you paste it into the PCBLIB file that you have created using the PCB library panel.
Now your footprint will end up in the PCBLIB file for further use.

BR
Markus
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- Lee Havens @ Markus Olsson on Feb 8, 2018 11:05 AM
  Mark Correct
  Correct Answer
  Good Morning,
  
  There are many different footprints, about 30 different ones. Okay so when I import the .max file I can see the circuit board with all the footprints, but it doesn't put them in a library like the symbols did. I am not sure where it put all the information. So, I am not completely sure if I am doing something wrong at the import stage or I just don't know how to find the information. Is there a way to point to a location when importing the .max file? I wasn't able to fine a way to do this either. As you can see from the projects tab, these are all the files from my .dsn and .max import. I am new to SolidWorks PCB (2018) so I am still learning all the little details. I do understand how to create a schematic, footprint, and integrated library. I just not sure how importing old designs works, how/where it converts the files too.
  
  Warm Regards,
  Lee
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  - Douglas Labun @ Lee Havens on Feb 8, 2018 11:40 AM
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    What program were the footprints originally made in? I know how to import decals from PADS but it's rather convoluted.
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    - Lee Havens @ Douglas Labun on Feb 8, 2018 1:18 PM
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      good afternoon,
      
      whole design was originally done in Orcad Capture & Layout 10.3v.
      
      Warm Regards,
      Lee
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      - Douglas Labun @ Lee Havens on Feb 8, 2018 2:56 PM
        Mark Correct
        Correct Answer
        I haven't used Orcad since college, but it sounds SWPCB behaving the same with both Orcad and PADS footprints. The only way I have found to get PADS footprints into my library is to literally copy / paste them. If you don't mind waiting until this weekend I can post a video on how I import PADS foot prints.
        Like • Show 0 Likes0
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        Lee Havens @ Douglas Labun on Feb 8, 2018 7:54 PM
        Mark Correct
        Correct Answer
        Good Afternoon,
        
        Certainly any help would be greatly appreciated. I just find it weird that when the board file (.max) is imported, and you view the board all the footprints are there (i have attached an image of the board). Starting to think its almost easier to start from scratch with all the footprints.
        
        Warm Regards,
        Lee
        Like • Show 0 Likes0
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Simon Knibbs Feb 12, 2018 11:13 AM
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Correct Answer
Hi
If you have successfully imported a Board you can quickly create library using the "Make PCB Library" command.

Go to the search window top right and type in "make" and you will then see the command to click to make a library out of all the footprints on the board.

Once you have the library you can choose to edit it or just cut and paste into existing libs
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- Markus Olsson @ Simon Knibbs on Feb 12, 2018 11:23 AM
  Mark Correct
  Correct Answer
  Wow! Those hidden commands never stop to surprise me. Thank you so much for sharing this.
  Like • Show 0 Likes0
  Actions
- Lee Havens @ Simon Knibbs on Feb 12, 2018 11:51 AM
  Mark Correct
  Correct Answer
  Good Morning Simon,
  
  Thank you so much. Why they hide how to do this is beyond me, but I am glad that you solve my problem. I knew there had to be some way. Thanks again, I am sure you just help more then just me by answering this question.
  
  Warm Regards,
  Lee
  
  P.S. Thank you to everyone for trying to help, i do appreciate the fact that you took the time to try to help.
  Like • Show 0 Likes0
  Actions

How do I use an imported .max file to get the footprints into a .pcblib? Only thing i get after importing the .max file is a .SWPcbDoc. I am trying to create a footprint library.

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