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𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-02-2026, 03:10 PM

I am trying to add a new footprint library with a new name and path but even after doing it, I still cannot find it among the list of footprints. KiCad 9.0.3. Is this a bug?

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-02-2026, 03:10 PM

i have tried changing \ to / as well, still no resolution

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-02-2026, 03:11 PM

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-02-2026, 03:11 PM

idk why but i had some custom footprint libraries in the past that show up, but the new one doesnt

, 09-02-2026, 03:13 PM

🤖 In the meantime, here’s a response from the [FEDEVEL AI HW Assistant]().
It helps to find relevant resources for your question, but it may make mistakes as it’s still in early development.

This is the response from the AI Assistant:
In KiCad, footprint library management requires careful attention to directory structure and configuration. Based on similar issues shown in the videos:

1. **Library Structure**: KiCad requires footprint libraries to use the `.pretty` folder convention. If your new library isn't showing up, verify:
- The folder name ends with `.pretty` (e.g., `MyLib.pretty`)
- Contains individual `.kicad_mod` files inside (one per footprint)

2. **Path Configuration**:
- Go to Preferences > Manage Footprint Libraries
- Add both *Global Libraries* (system-wide) and *Project Specific Libraries* using the "+" button
- Use absolute paths (not relative) when adding ([Example from similar path configuration](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maaBkw7IRUc&t=1429))

3. **Common Pitfalls**:
- Library paths with spaces or special characters often cause issues
- After adding paths, click "Refresh" button in footprint selector
- Restart KiCad completely if changes aren't recognized

4. **Verification**:
Check if your library appears in the footprint editor (Open PCB Footprint Editor > File > Open Folder) before trying to use it in PCB layout

If you've confirmed these steps and it still fails, try moving the library to a different directory (like your user documents folder) and re-add the path. Some users report permission issues with certain system directories in newer KiCad versions.

[This video showing footprint creation workflow](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maaBkw7IRUc&t=1317) demonstrates proper library structure and path handling that might help troubleshoot your setup.

You can continue chatting with the AI Assistant here:
https://fedevel.com/hw-assistant

Robert Feranec , 09-03-2026, 05:46 AM

did you try to start the name with capital letter? i found out that it is sometimes important if you start with capital letter .. maybe there is similar problem in footprint library?

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-03-2026, 05:05 PM

no

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-03-2026, 05:05 PM

my older custom footprints didn't need capital letters

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-03-2026, 05:05 PM

i think it needs both a symbol and footprint imported but idk

Robert Feranec , 09-04-2026, 05:06 AM

i mean the library name

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-04-2026, 08:24 AM

same thing, the old library names i had imported did not have capital letter

QDrives , 09-04-2026, 01:33 PM

So what is your library name?

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-04-2026, 03:00 PM

in the past i had esp32s3 and mfrc522 as custom added libraries

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-04-2026, 03:00 PM

now im trying to add a new footprint library

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-04-2026, 03:00 PM

here

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-04-2026, 03:00 PM

but it wont show idk why

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-04-2026, 03:01 PM

maybe it needs a symbol library of the same name?

QDrives , 09-04-2026, 03:02 PM

"imported' or created yourself?

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-04-2026, 05:08 PM

+ button with new name and then select the folder to the footprint

QDrives , 09-04-2026, 07:07 PM

Could it be that the library is invalid (corrupt)?

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-04-2026, 07:19 PM

idk

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-04-2026, 07:20 PM

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-04-2026, 07:20 PM

its this, downloaded from seeedstudio documentation

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-05-2026, 06:03 PM

I found the solution

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-05-2026, 06:03 PM

I have to press A to reload the libraries, only then it appears

𝔎𝔦𝔯𝔞 , 09-05-2026, 06:04 PM

closing out of kicad and coming back in wont do that, i have to explicitly press A

Robert Feranec , 09-07-2026, 05:52 AM

i found this weird behavior too - in schematic library refresh will not help i have to switch it off and on, but in PCB library switch off and on doesnt help, you have to refresh. I have been playing with KiCad four last 2 weeks and I am surprized how many of these small things have not been fixed yet, its not only this.

QDrives , 09-07-2026, 01:59 PM

It is the kind of 'workaround' that Kicad designers (and users) do not care about.
In Altium this would be considered a bug.

Robert Feranec , 09-08-2026, 06:19 AM

yes