Installation
What to install, and a sample project to open first.
Requirements:
- VS Code 1.90 or newer.
- KiCad 8 or newer installed, for
kicad-cli(ERC, DRC, netlists, Gerbers, 3D models) and for the symbol, footprint and 3D model libraries. Viewing and editing work without KiCad; the checks, Update PCB from Schematic, the library browser, the 3D component models and the fabrication outputs need it.
Install the extension (Marketplace, or Extensions: Install from VSIX… with a softforge-electronics-designer-*.vsix
from the GitHub releases), then open a folder that contains a KiCad project. The sample project in
examples/sample-project is a good first file: a 555 LED blinker
with two schematic sheets, two documentation sheets (Assembly, Fabrication), a routed 2-layer board,
fabrication outputs and a thermal overlay.