PCB Footprint Expert - USER GUIDE

PCB Footprint Expert Overview

These videos are a high-level overview of how the PCB Footprint Expert can be used in combination with our "Parts on Demand" database to automatically generate high quality footprints and 3D models. The first video is a very quick, 9-minute run-through. The second is a 45 minute introduction of the Footprint Expert basics.

Make sure to browse the dozens of other topics on the right for many other training videos!


download MP4 video



download MP4 video





Output Instructions
     - 3D STEP
     - Allegro
     - Altium Designer
     - CADSTAR
     - CADint
     - CircuitStudio
     - CR-5000 / CR-8000
     - DipTrace
     - EAGLE
     - KiCad
     - OrCAD Layout
     - OrCAD PCB
     - PADS Layout
     - PADS Professional
     - Pantheon
     - P-CAD
     - Proteus
     - Pulsonix
     - Pulsonix 3D STEP
     - Ultiboard
     - Xpedition
  1. Getting Started
            - Overview
            - Intro to FPX Files
            - FPX Guidelines
            - User Preferences
            - FPX File with Preferences
            - Footprint Naming Convention
            - Surface Mount Components
            - Through-hole Components
            - Solder Joint Goals
            - Update the Help File
            - Display Issue
            - FPX with Unique Footprints
            - BOM Builder Service
  2. Licensing Configuration
            - Install LE Enterprise EVAL
            - Enterprise Leased License Key
            - Install Drivers (Sentinel/HASP)
            - Specify a Server IP Address
            - Activate / Update USB Key
            - Activate / Update SL Key
            - Maintenance Update
  3. Preference Settings
            - Create Master Preference File
            - Console Preferences
            - Rule Preferences
            - Drafting Preferences
            - 3D STEP Color Preferences
            - Component Family Preferences
            - Through-hole Preferences
            - Surface Mount Preferences
            - Local Fiducials
  4. Create a Master FPX Library
            - Create Master FPX File
            - FPX for Single User
            - FPX for Multiple Users
  5. Library Editor Toolbar
            - Open FPX Library
            - Create a New FPX Library
            - Import FPX Library
            - Find / Replace
            - Categories & Show All
            - View Data / Part, Undo / Redo
            - View Datasheet
            - Build Library
  6. Library Editor Features
            - Copy / Paste FPX to FPX
            - Edit Cell Text
            - Add / Delete Rows & Columns
            - Search the Web
  7. Library Editor Tools
            - Regenerate Library Names
            - Update BOM from Library
            - Edit Manufacturer List
            - Edit Physical Description List
            - Check Links
            - Find Duplicates
  8. Surface Mount Calculators
            - BGA
            - QFN
            - SOT23
            - SOT143
            - Chip Resistor
            - QFN with Chamfered Pads
            - Thermal Pads (Solder Mask)
  9. Through-hole Calculators
            - Axial Lead
            - Headers
            - Mounting Holes
            - Wave Solder Keepouts
  10. Calculator Toolbar
            - Layer Controls
            - Pins, Shapes, Lines, Labels
            - Legend Polarity Markings
            - Insert a Keep-out
            - Pan & Zoom Controls
  11. FP Designer:
            - Body Outlines
            - Pad Stacks
            - Place Pad Stacks
            - Pin Layout Setup Wizard
            - Import Pad Stacks from CSV
            - Global Fiducials
            - 3 and 13 Pin DIN
            - Complex Vertical Receptacle
            - Multi-Row QFN
            - QFN with Thermal Tabs
            - Row of Staggered Pads
            - RJ45 Jack With LEDs
            - Staggered Row Connector
  12. Parts on Demand (POD)
            - DL, Check, Edit Calculator
            - DL, Check, Edit FP Designer
            - Report an Issue
  13. Tools
            - Tool Box
  14. PCBL Forum
            - Watch a Forum