kipm

kipm is a command-line tool that helps you install and manage KiCad component libraries by automatically fetching symbols, footprints, and 3D models from LCSC/EasyEDA and converting them to KiCad format.

⚠️ WARNING: This tool is currently in early development. Please backup your project files before use.

For now this only supports LCSC part numbers (e.g., C381039) for quickly setting up your components and ordering from JLCPCB.

The conversion process uses the same method as easyeda2kicad.py.

Installation

Use with npx:

npx -y kipm <command>

Or install globally:

npm install -g kipm

Usage

Install a single component

kipm install <LCSC-component-id>

Install multiple components (recommended)

Create a components.txt file in your project root with one LCSC part number per line:

C381039
C25744

Then from your project directory run:

npx -y kipm

What it does

When you run kipm in a project named my-board which has a components.txt file, it creates:

• my-board.kicad_sym - Symbol library
• my-board.pretty/ - Footprint library
• my-board.3dshapes/ - 3D model files

It also updates:

• sym-lib-table - Adds the symbol library
• fp-lib-table - Adds the footprint library
• components.json - Tracks installed components to enable clean uninstallation
• my-board.kicad_pro - Stars the libraries

The libraries are named after your project directory and will be "starred" so they appear at the top when placing components in KiCad.

Example Workflow

1. Create a new KiCad project
2. Create a components.txt file with your LCSC part numbers
3. Run npx -y kipm install
4. Open your schematic - the components will be available in the project library

Issues and Bugs

Please report any issues on the GitHub issue tracker.

License

MIT