Overview
The Image Converter enables you to:- Convert company logos to drawing sheet graphics
- Create custom footprint artwork from images
- Generate symbols from graphical representations
- Import graphics into schematics and PCBs
- Convert images to vector formats for PCB artwork
Use Cases
Company Logos
Add branding to:
- Drawing sheet templates
- PCB silkscreen
- Custom symbols
Custom Graphics
Create artistic elements:
- Decorative PCB art
- Custom icons
- Graphical symbols
PCB Silkscreen
Add images to boards:
- Product logos
- QR codes
- Decorative elements
Schematic Symbols
Graphical components:
- Mechanical symbols
- Custom representations
- Illustrative elements
Interface Overview
Main Window Layout
- Source Image
- Preview
- Controls
Left Panel: Original bitmap
- Shows loaded image
- Resolution information
- Source file details
- Color or grayscale preview
Workflow
Load Image
File → Open or drag and drop
- Supported: PNG, JPG, BMP
- Recommended: High contrast, simple graphics
- Black and white or grayscale preferred
Adjust Threshold
Convert to black/white:
- Slider controls brightness cutoff
- Pixels below threshold → black
- Pixels above threshold → white
- Preview updates in real-time
Set Output Size
Configure dimensions:
- Physical size (mm or inches)
- DPI (dots per inch)
- Aspect ratio locked/unlocked
Choose Format
Select output type:
- Footprint (for PCB)
- Symbol (for schematic)
- Drawing sheet (for templates)
- PostScript (generic vector)
Image Preparation
Optimal Source Images
Best results come from high-contrast, simple images
- Format: PNG with transparency
- Colors: Black and white or high contrast
- Resolution: 300+ DPI for quality
- Content: Simple shapes, avoid fine details
- Background: Transparent or solid color
Pre-Processing Tips
Convert to Black & White
Convert to Black & White
Use image editor (GIMP, Photoshop):
- Increase contrast
- Convert to grayscale
- Adjust levels/curves
- Apply threshold
- Clean up noise
Simplify Details
Simplify Details
Remove complexity:
- Eliminate fine lines (won’t convert well)
- Merge nearby elements
- Increase line thickness
- Remove gradients
Scale Appropriately
Scale Appropriately
Size considerations:
- Larger source = better quality
- But not excessively large
- 1000-2000 pixels wide is good
Conversion Settings
Threshold Adjustment
The threshold determines which pixels become black vs white
- Low threshold (0-30%): More black, less white
- Medium threshold (40-60%): Balanced
- High threshold (70-100%): More white, less black
Output Size Control
- Physical Size
- DPI Method
Millimeters or Inches:
- Set desired output dimensions
- Width and height independently
- Lock aspect ratio checkbox
- Typical: 10-30mm for logos
- mm: Most common for PCB work
- inch: Alternative unit
- DPI: Resolution-based sizing
Output Formats
Footprint Format
Convert image to PCB footprint (.kicad_mod)
- PCB silkscreen logos
- Decorative PCB artwork
- Custom footprint graphics
- Board branding
Footprints are composed of polygons, not filled areas, so complex images may have large file sizes
Symbol Format
Convert to schematic symbol (.kicad_sym): Use for:- Graphical schematic elements
- Mechanical symbols
- Custom component representations
- Illustrative graphics
Drawing Sheet Format
Create drawing sheet element (.kicad_wks): Use for:- Company logos in title blocks
- Border decorations
- Template graphics
- Drawing sheet artwork
PostScript Format
Generic vector output (.ps): Use for:- External processing
- Import to other tools
- Generic vector graphics
- Printing
Export Process
Exporting Footprints
Import to Library
In Footprint Editor:
- File → Add Footprint to Library
- Or copy .kicad_mod to library folder
Exporting Drawing Sheets
Advanced Options
Negative Image
Invert black and white for negative effect
- Light logo on dark background
- Inverse silkscreen
- Special effects
Smoothing
Some versions offer smoothing:- Reduces jagged edges
- Creates smoother curves
- May increase file size
- Better for curved shapes
Limitations and Considerations
Practical Limits:- Silkscreen resolution: Limited by manufacturing
- File size: Complex images = slow loading
- Editing: Vector output is not easily editable
- Manufacturing: Fine details may not print
Silkscreen Constraints
PCB silkscreen has minimum feature sizes (typically 0.15-0.2mm line width)
- Avoid very thin lines
- Simplify fine details
- Test with manufacturer specs
- Minimum gap between features
Tips and Best Practices
Common Issues
Jagged Edges
Jagged Edges
Solution:
- Increase source image resolution
- Use vector source if possible
- Adjust threshold more carefully
- Smooth curves in image editor first
Too Much Detail
Too Much Detail
Solution:
- Simplify source image
- Remove fine features
- Increase line thickness
- Use lower resolution
Wrong Size
Wrong Size
Solution:
- Double-check DPI settings
- Verify units (mm vs inch)
- Lock aspect ratio
- Measure output in target application
Large File Size
Large File Size
Solution:
- Simplify image
- Reduce resolution slightly
- Remove unnecessary details
- Use lower DPI for larger output
Example Workflows
Adding Logo to Title Block
Load and Convert
- Open in Image Converter
- Adjust threshold
- Set size: 20mm wide
- Format: Drawing Sheet
Creating PCB Artwork
Design Artwork
Create image in graphics software:
- Black shapes on white background
- High resolution
- Simple, bold design
Convert to Footprint
- Import to Image Converter
- Threshold to clean black/white
- Size appropriately (e.g., 30mm)
- Export as footprint
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open Image | Ctrl+O |
| Export | Ctrl+E |
| Zoom In | + |
| Zoom Out | - |
| Zoom Fit | Home |
| Preferences | Ctrl+, |
| Quit | Ctrl+Q |
Alternative Approaches
Direct Import to Footprint Editor
Some versions support:- Import DXF/SVG to footprint
- May give better quality
- More control over layers
Manual Tracing
For critical applications:- Import image as reference
- Manually trace with drawing tools
- More work but better control
- Optimized polygon count
Related Topics
Page Layout Editor
Edit drawing sheet templates
PCB Editor
Customize footprint graphics and place artwork on PCB
Page Layout Editor
Learn about title block templates