# Create KiCad Footprints - 5 Tips

**URL:** <https://community.aisler.net/t/create-kicad-footprints-5-tips/5710>\
**Category:** 🧑‍🔧 Community Tips\
**Created:** [July 14, 2026, 4:18am UTC](https://community.aisler.net/t/create-kicad-footprints-5-tips/5710 "2026-07-14T04:18:08Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Sarah-from-AISLER](https://community-cdn.aisler.net/user_avatar/community.aisler.net/sarah-from-aisler/32/2193_2.png) [@Sarah-from-AISLER](https://community.aisler.net/u/Sarah-from-AISLER)\
**Post date:** [July 14, 2026, 4:18am UTC](https://community.aisler.net/t/create-kicad-footprints-5-tips/5710/1 "2026-07-14T04:18:08Z")

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A bad footprint doesn’t announce itself in the schematic - it shows up weeks later as a part that won’t fit, won’t place, or won’t solder. Here are five tips to help you create better footprints:

**1. Study the datasheet - really study it**  
Don’t rely on generic names like “SOT-23” or “SOIC-8.” Manufacturers sneak in subtle differences in pin pitch, body width and thermal pad size. The name gets you close; the datasheet gets you correct.

**2. Put the footprint centre at (0,0)**  
Set the exact relative origin to (0,0). Pick-and-place machines use that point to grab and rotate the component - an off-centre origin means an off-centre part on every assembled board.

**3. Build pads from the manufacturer’s land pattern**  
A datasheet usually gives you two sets of numbers: the physical package dimensions and the recommended land pattern (the actual copper). Always use the land pattern if it’s there. If it isn’t, calculate the pads with IPC-7351B (toe, heel and side fillets) - don’t just trace the package.

**4. Draw the F.Fab, F.SilkS and F.CrtYd outlines**  
Each layer earns its place across the board’s life:

- **F.Fab** - documentation: the exact physical body of the part.
- **F.SilkS** - the ink actually printed on the board.
- **F.CrtYd** - the “keep-out” safety barrier that stops parts crowding each other and leaves room for nozzles and inspection.

**5. Always assign a 3D (STEP) model**  
STEP models carry exact CAD geometry. Hand your board to a mechanical engineer (or open it in FreeCAD / Fusion 360) and they can check for collisions with enclosures, buttons and neighbouring boards — before anything gets manufactured.

Do these five and your footprint is manufacturable, inspectable and mechanically sane.

* * *

📺 **See it in action** — our 3-part KiCad series with **#ThatKiCadGuy**. Part 2 walks through this exact checklist on a real part:

- [Part 1 · Symbol libraries, done right](https://youtu.be/fmwMzdV9XGk)
- [Part 2 · From datasheet to footprint](https://youtu.be/IJVn6qdjU_s)
- [Part 3 · Version control & team sharing](https://youtu.be/5MHF84NF_lI)