How to Import KiCad Libraries

Follow these steps to import the WaypointCarePackage KiCad library package into a KiCad 10.0 project.

You need:

WaypointCarePackage.zip
A KiCad project with a .kicad_pro file

1. Extract the package

Extract WaypointCarePackage.zip. Do not point KiCad at the zip file itself.

After extraction, you should see WaypointCarePackage.kicad_sym and WaypointCarePackage.pretty next to each other.

2. Put the library inside your KiCad project

Open the folder that contains your .kicad_pro file. Create a folder named libraries if it does not already exist.

Copy both extracted library items into libraries.

Your project should look like this:

YourProject/
  YourProject.kicad_pro
  YourProject.kicad_sch
  YourProject.kicad_pcb
  libraries/
    WaypointCarePackage.kicad_sym
    WaypointCarePackage.pretty/

Keep this exact folder structure so the included 3D models resolve.

Project folder with the WaypointCarePackage files in a libraries folder

3. Open the project in KiCad 10.0

Launch KiCad 10.0 and open the project’s .kicad_pro file.

KiCad project open in the Project Manager

4. Add the symbol library

Open Preferences -> Manage Symbol Libraries….

Choose Project Specific Libraries, then click the folder button and select:

libraries/WaypointCarePackage.kicad_sym

Use this nickname:

WaypointCarePackage

Use this path:

${KIPRJMOD}/libraries/WaypointCarePackage.kicad_sym

Click OK or Apply.

WaypointCarePackage symbol library added to Project Specific Libraries

5. Add the footprint library

Open Preferences -> Manage Footprint Libraries….

Choose Project Specific Libraries, then click the folder button and select:

libraries/WaypointCarePackage.pretty

Use this nickname:

WaypointCarePackage

Use this path:

${KIPRJMOD}/libraries/WaypointCarePackage.pretty

Click OK or Apply.

WaypointCarePackage footprint library added to Project Specific Libraries

You can now use the WaypointCarePackage libraries inside your schematic and PCB layout.

Troubleshooting

The library does not show up in Add Symbol or Add Footprint: Make sure you added it on the Project Specific Libraries tab for the project you currently have open, then reopen the Add Symbol or Add Footprint dialog.

KiCad will not let you select the package: Extract the zip first. Symbol libraries are added from .kicad_sym files, and footprint libraries are added from .pretty folders.

The footprint appears, but the 3D model is missing: Put the library folder under the project as libraries/WaypointCarePackage.pretty.

You want the library available in every project: Add the same symbol and footprint entries on the Global Libraries tab instead.