# Placing Multiple Footprints with the KiCad “Place Footprints” Plugin

**URL:** <https://community.aisler.net/t/placing-multiple-footprints-with-the-kicad-place-footprints-plugin/5620>\
**Category:** 🧑‍🔧 Community Tips\
**Tags:** pcb-design\
**Created:** [April 29, 2026, 8:17am UTC](https://community.aisler.net/t/placing-multiple-footprints-with-the-kicad-place-footprints-plugin/5620 "2026-04-29T08:17:16Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Akashdeep\_Singh](https://community-cdn.aisler.net/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/f08c70/32.png) [@Akashdeep\_Singh](https://community.aisler.net/u/Akashdeep_Singh)\
**Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 8:17am UTC](https://community.aisler.net/t/placing-multiple-footprints-with-the-kicad-place-footprints-plugin/5620/1 "2026-04-29T08:17:17Z")

</div>

The Place Footprints plugin in KiCad is useful when multiple components need to be placed with a defined spacing and a regular pattern.

It can be used for different arrangements, such as:

- Matrix

- Linear placement

- Circular placement

This is especially helpful for repeated components like resistors, LEDs, test points, or connectors.

 ![image](https://community.aisler.net/uploads/default/original/2X/9/989bbf9ecd02a00769b9e634cd6894e52ee11d22.png)

After selecting the required footprints in the PCB editor, open the Place Footprints plugin.

In the plugin window, choose the arrangement type and define the spacing. For a matrix placement, the most important settings are:

- Step X: distance between footprints in X direction

- Step Y: distance between footprints in Y direction

- Number of columns: number of footprints per row

- Copy text positions: keeps reference/value text positions consistent

 ![image](https://community.aisler.net/uploads/default/original/2X/7/7841adae31761e34f587be32f84e4007e56abcf8.png)

The distance entered in Step X and Step Y is measured from the center/origin of one footprint to the center/origin of the next footprint.

It is not the distance between pad edges, component outlines, or courtyard borders.

 ![image](https://community.aisler.net/uploads/default/original/2X/9/9076e3560e9948e701f28c975e3d0552a2d7700d.png)

Recommendation

Before placing the footprints, check that:

- the correct footprints are selected

- the footprint origins are correct

- the X/Y spacing is known

- the selected arrangement matches the intended layout

- clearances are checked after placement

- DRC is run after the layout update