SparkFun Electronics KiCad Libraries
This repository contains the SparkFun KiCad Libraries of commonly used parts. It is a cultivated combination of KiCad stock parts, SparkFun-unique footprints, and open-source 3D models. The main branch is generally proven out but we apologize in advance if these libraries have errors. Please report any issues! We'll fix them quickly.
Note: The SparkFun KiCad components contain internal part numbers (PROD_ID-*) for ease of manufacture for the SparkFun SMD lines.
Theory
KiCad is very good and has a large number of industry specified symbols and footprints. SparkFun has a large number of unique parts and components created since 2002. Rather than converting all previous SparkFun Eagle libraries to KiCad, we are adding new parts to these libraries as we need them for new projects. This gives us the opportunity to clear out old badness, but opens the door to new badness (ie, incorrect footprints) so reader beware!
The SparkFun approach: when a new part needs to be added we decide whether to use a KiCad stock symbol, edit it for use, or create it from scratch. We give preference to the stock KiCad symbol. We give heavy preference to using the original SparkFun footprint, but look at the stock KiCad footprint for inspiration as well. We try to follow the KiCad Library Conventions where it makes sense.
Additionally, SparkFun needs to assign various unique manufacturing data (ie, internal part numbers) to parts. To alleviate this, there is a large number of components with an identical symbol each with their own production ID information. For example, capacitors:
We use the following naming conventions to create our 'bubble gum' parts:
- [capacity]_[size]_[voltage]_[tolerance]
- [resistance]_[size]_[wattage optional]_[tolerance optional]
- [inductance]_[size]_[max current]
- [led color]_[size]_[wavelength optional]
Installing and using these libraries
- Installing a release via the KiCad PCM
- Installing a release from zip file - without the PCM_ Library nickname prefix
- Download the current libraries as a zip file
- Using Git
Internally, these libraries use an Environmental Variable named SPARKFUN_KICAD_LIBRARY to reference the footprints and 3D models. This is converted into KICAD9_3RD_PARTY during the release process. The release zip file Assets contain KICAD9_3RD_PARTY paths. At SparkFun, we use the library as-is with the original SPARKFUN_KICAD_LIBRARY environmental variable paths. Our open-source KiCad designs will contain those same environmental variable paths. If you want to be able to edit existing SparkFun schematics and board designs directly, rather than just make use of our components, you need to manually install a true copy or clone of the library. See Download the current libraries as a zip file and Using Git below.
Installing a release via the KiCad PCM
From the fall of 2025, releases of these libraries are available via the KiCad Plugin and Content Manager (PCM).
Open the PCM, select the "Libraries" tab, and type "SparkFun" into the search box. The "Install" button will install the latest release of the libraries.
Note: this method assumes you have the KiCad Library nickname prefix set to the default of 'PCM_'. If you have cleared the Library nickname prefix, use the next option to install from zip file.
Installing a release from zip file - without the PCM_ Library nickname prefix
In the KiCad Preferences, you will find settings for "Packages and Updates". The "Library nickname prefix" is applied to any libraries installed through the Plugin and Content Manager (PCM).
If you install these libraries though the PCM, the installation assumes the prefix is 'PCM_'. The symbol footprint names will all be prefixed with 'PCM_'. If you have cleared the prefix, you will need to manually install a different version of the libraries without the footprint prefix:
- Navigate to the libraries Releases page
- You will find two zip file "Assets" attached to each release
- Download the "without-pcm" zip file
- In the PCM, use the "Install from File..." option to install the zip file
If you are changing the Library prefix to use this installation method, we recommend: clearing the prefix, OK the changes, close KiCad and reopen before installing the zip file.
Download the current libraries as a zip file
Instead of waiting for a release, you can download a copy of the libraries at any time by clicking on the big green <> Code button above and selecting the Download ZIP option. Or, click on the icon below:
Unzip the file somewhere convenient, usually in Documents. If needed, change the folder name from SparkFun-KiCad-Libraries-main to SparkFun-KiCad-Libraries. Open the KiCad Symbol Editor and select Preferences \ Configure Paths. Add a new Environmental Variable called SPARKFUN_KICAD_LIBRARY and set the Path to the SparkFun-KiCad-Libraries folder :
Then select Preferences \ Manage Symbol Libraries. Click the folder button to "Add existing library to table". Navigate to the SparkFun-KiCad-Libraries \ symbols folder, select all the SparkFun-.kicad_sym symbol files and click Open :
Then likewise in the Footprint Editor, select Preferences \ Manage Footprint Libraries. Click the folder button to "Add existing (KiCad folder)". Navigate to the SparkFun-KiCad-Libraries \ footprints folder, select everything and click Select Folder :
Using Git
If you're familiar with GitHub and Git / GitHub Desktop, you can stay completely up to date by cloning this repo.
Again, add the Symbols and Footprints Paths as described in the previous section.
If you use the "Watch All Activity" option above, you will be notified each time we Push changes in the libraries. You can then Pull the changes to stay completely up to date. (It's what we do at SparkFun!)
Contents
- /symbols -- Schematic symbols
- /footprints -- PCB footprints
- /3dmodels -- 3D models - usually in step format
License
This libraries are released under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
You are welcome to use these libraries for commercial purposes.
For attribution, we ask that when you begin to sell your device using our footprint, you email us with a link to the product being sold.
We want bragging rights that we helped (in a very small part) to create your 8th world wonder.
We would like the opportunity to feature your device on our homepage.
Please consider contributing back to these libraries or others to help the open-source hardware community continue to thrive and grow!
