3D view and part models

The 2D/3D switch at the bottom of the canvas shows the board in 3D: the board with its copper, and each part with the 3D model of its KiCad footprint. The 3D view is for looking only; edits are made in 2D or by the agent. After a change, new models load in the background, and the view fills them in when they are ready.

Parts without a model

Many KiCad footprints come with a 3D model, but not all of them do, and footprints from other sources often have none. Such parts show as a flat grey block, 1 mm high, in the outline of the footprint's courtyard. Footprints with no part on them, such as mounting holes, show nothing.

The agent can draw a model for them. Asked to complete the 3D view, it finds the parts shown as boxes, works out the package from the footprint and the value, and writes a CAD script for the body, the leads and the pin 1 mark in their real colours, with the package's standard sizes. The tool checks every model against the footprint, a lead on every pad and nothing past the courtyard, and the agent corrects the script until the check passes. Each model it draws comes with an image of the part from the top, the front and the corner on its pads, shown in the chat, so the result can be checked before going on.

A drawn model is given to every part on the same footprint, and it can be undone like any other change. Asking the agent to go back to the library model removes the drawn one. Parts that have a library model keep it, unless the agent is asked to redraw a named part, for example to show a different colour or height.

Exports

Drawn models are part of the board. The STEP and GLB exports include them, and the KiCad project carries them in a 3dmodels/flomotion folder, so they also show in KiCad's 3D viewer. See Checks and export.

Limits

• A drawn model is the agent's reading of the part. Check its size against the datasheet before using it for an enclosure.