component-importer-for-kicad
This is an open source universal component importer/library loader for kicad
A system-tray desktop app that automates importing third-party component ZIP files into KiCad PCB projects, handling schematic symbols, footprints, 3D models, and auto-linking symbols to footprints on Windows and Ubuntu.
This is a desktop app that helps electronics designers manage third-party component files inside KiCad projects. KiCad is a free program used to design printed circuit boards (PCBs). When you design a circuit board, you often need to download component files from part suppliers or library websites, and those files usually arrive as ZIP archives. Getting them properly organized and registered inside a KiCad project has traditionally been a manual, error-prone process. This app automates that.
When you drop a component ZIP file into a watched folder, the app detects it and imports the contents into your KiCad project's local libraries. It handles the different types of files a component might include: the schematic symbol (the abstract diagram representation), the footprint (the physical shape on the board), 3D models for visualization, datasheets, and metadata. After importing, it links the symbol to its footprint automatically so they are connected in KiCad without additional manual steps.
The app runs quietly in the system tray and can start automatically when you log in. It can also search for component providers from within its interface. Every import is logged and backed up, so you can recover from mistakes. There is a configuration screen where you set your KiCad project folder, your library name, and the download folder to watch.
One setup note for KiCad 10 users: because KiCad 10 holds library tables in memory while a project is open, you need to close KiCad fully before the first import. After the library exists and KiCad has loaded it once, later imports into that same library can happen without closing KiCad again.
The app runs on Windows and on Ubuntu-based Linux systems. It is written in Python and built with the PyQt6 interface toolkit. Installers are available for both platforms. The source code is released under the MIT license and is not affiliated with the KiCad project.
Where it fits
- Drop a component ZIP from a supplier into a watched folder and have it automatically appear in your KiCad library, ready to place on a schematic.
- Stop manually copying schematic symbols, footprints, and 3D models into KiCad one file at a time.
- Keep a log of every component import and restore from backups if a bad import corrupts your library.
- Search for component providers directly from the app without leaving your KiCad workflow.