Having used (and built) a database linked design ’environment’ in each of the above named systems (Orcad, Altium, Mentor), I find the benefits so core to a successful design that not having that capability in KiCad a non-starter for consideration. Unfortunately, each time I have evaluated its suitability for a project, I have stopped investing time and effort as soon as I learned that it has not yet adopted the ability to link a parts database.

I have need to use a PCB design system again for a personal project, and while I have most of the options available to me, I would really like to migrate to and become a supporter of KiCad. My day job is mostly related to RF/microwave design (which all of the above tools fail at to varying degrees, forcing us back to caveman use of autocad, etc), but for more normal digital/analog design, work well. In order of tools learned, I came from Orcad/Orcad Layout, then migrated to Altium Designer, and today use (occasionally) Mentor Graphics Xpedition Designer/Layout in a commercial/professional environment.

I’m not a heavy user of PCB schematic capture or layout tools, but over the years I have need to learn and use them for various work and personal projects. Upfront, this capability is planned for the version 7 release, so if you bear with me and read through this and think it is useful, go vote for and comment on, and provide further input on it here:Ī little about my background. I made a few further posts about it, but before I pressed the issue further, I wanted to better inform myself on KiCad’s capabilities. I recently enquired on the KiCad discord channel about the ability to link a parts database to KiCad, and received the response that Database linked Libraries are planned for the V7 Kicad Release.

Kicad altium designer