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The Image Converter (Bitmap2Component) converts raster images (PNG, JPG, BMP) into KiCad footprints, symbols, or drawing sheet elements.

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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

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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

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Interface Overview

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Main Window Layout

Left Panel: Original bitmap
  • Shows loaded image
  • Resolution information
  • Source file details
  • Color or grayscale preview

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Workflow

1

Load Image

File → Open or drag and drop
  • Supported: PNG, JPG, BMP
  • Recommended: High contrast, simple graphics
  • Black and white or grayscale preferred
2

Adjust Threshold

Convert to black/white:
  • Slider controls brightness cutoff
  • Pixels below threshold → black
  • Pixels above threshold → white
  • Preview updates in real-time
3

Set Output Size

Configure dimensions:
  • Physical size (mm or inches)
  • DPI (dots per inch)
  • Aspect ratio locked/unlocked
4

Choose Format

Select output type:
  • Footprint (for PCB)
  • Symbol (for schematic)
  • Drawing sheet (for templates)
  • PostScript (generic vector)
5

Export

Save converted file:
  • Browse to destination
  • File format determined by type
  • Import into KiCad

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Image Preparation

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Optimal Source Images

Best results come from high-contrast, simple images
Recommendations:
  • 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

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Pre-Processing Tips

Use image editor (GIMP, Photoshop):
  1. Increase contrast
  2. Convert to grayscale
  3. Adjust levels/curves
  4. Apply threshold
  5. Clean up noise
Remove complexity:
  • Eliminate fine lines (won’t convert well)
  • Merge nearby elements
  • Increase line thickness
  • Remove gradients
Size considerations:
  • Larger source = better quality
  • But not excessively large
  • 1000-2000 pixels wide is good

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Conversion Settings

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Threshold Adjustment

The threshold determines which pixels become black vs white
Slider Range: 0-100%
  • Low threshold (0-30%): More black, less white
  • Medium threshold (40-60%): Balanced
  • High threshold (70-100%): More white, less black
Adjust threshold until preview shows clean, solid shapes

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Output Size Control

Millimeters or Inches:
  • Set desired output dimensions
  • Width and height independently
  • Lock aspect ratio checkbox
  • Typical: 10-30mm for logos
Size Units:
  • mm: Most common for PCB work
  • inch: Alternative unit
  • DPI: Resolution-based sizing

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Output Formats

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Footprint Format

Convert image to PCB footprint (.kicad_mod)
Use for:
  • PCB silkscreen logos
  • Decorative PCB artwork
  • Custom footprint graphics
  • Board branding
Output layer: F.SilkS or B.SilkS (silkscreen)
Footprints are composed of polygons, not filled areas, so complex images may have large file sizes

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Symbol Format

Convert to schematic symbol (.kicad_sym): Use for:
  • Graphical schematic elements
  • Mechanical symbols
  • Custom component representations
  • Illustrative graphics
Note: Symbols are drawn with graphic lines and polygons

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Drawing Sheet Format

Create drawing sheet element (.kicad_wks): Use for:
  • Company logos in title blocks
  • Border decorations
  • Template graphics
  • Drawing sheet artwork
This is the most common use case - adding logos to title blocks

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PostScript Format

Generic vector output (.ps): Use for:
  • External processing
  • Import to other tools
  • Generic vector graphics
  • Printing

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Export Process

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Exporting Footprints

1

Select Format

Choose “Footprint (.kicad_mod)” from dropdown
2

Export File

File → Export to Footprint
  • Choose destination folder
  • Filename: component.kicad_mod
3

Import to Library

In Footprint Editor:
  • File → Add Footprint to Library
  • Or copy .kicad_mod to library folder
4

Use in PCB

Place footprint on desired layer
  • Typically F.SilkS or B.SilkS

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Exporting Drawing Sheets

1

Convert Image

Set output format: “Drawing Sheet”
2

Export

File → Export to Drawing Sheet
  • Save as .kicad_wks file
3

Edit Template

Open in Page Layout Editor:
  • Bitmap is embedded
  • Position in title block
  • Set size

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Advanced Options

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Negative Image

Invert black and white for negative effect
Useful for:
  • Light logo on dark background
  • Inverse silkscreen
  • Special effects

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Smoothing

Some versions offer smoothing:
  • Reduces jagged edges
  • Creates smoother curves
  • May increase file size
  • Better for curved shapes

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Limitations and Considerations

Complex images create large files and many polygons
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

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Silkscreen Constraints

PCB silkscreen has minimum feature sizes (typically 0.15-0.2mm line width)
Guidelines:
  • Avoid very thin lines
  • Simplify fine details
  • Test with manufacturer specs
  • Minimum gap between features

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Tips and Best Practices

Start Simple: Test with simple graphics before complex images
High Contrast: Black and white source images work best
Appropriate Size: Don’t make outputs too small - details will be lost
Preview Carefully: Check preview at actual size before exporting
Manufacturer Limits: Verify silkscreen capabilities with PCB fab

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Common Issues

Solution:
  • Increase source image resolution
  • Use vector source if possible
  • Adjust threshold more carefully
  • Smooth curves in image editor first
Solution:
  • Simplify source image
  • Remove fine features
  • Increase line thickness
  • Use lower resolution
Solution:
  • Double-check DPI settings
  • Verify units (mm vs inch)
  • Lock aspect ratio
  • Measure output in target application
Solution:
  • Simplify image
  • Reduce resolution slightly
  • Remove unnecessary details
  • Use lower DPI for larger output

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Example Workflows

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Adding Logo to Title Block

1

Prepare Logo

  • Create high-contrast PNG
  • Size: ~500 pixels wide
  • Black logo, transparent background
2

Load and Convert

  • Open in Image Converter
  • Adjust threshold
  • Set size: 20mm wide
  • Format: Drawing Sheet
3

Export and Integrate

  • Export to .kicad_wks
  • Open Page Layout Editor
  • Place bitmap in title block corner
  • Adjust position

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Creating PCB Artwork

1

Design Artwork

Create image in graphics software:
  • Black shapes on white background
  • High resolution
  • Simple, bold design
2

Convert to Footprint

  • Import to Image Converter
  • Threshold to clean black/white
  • Size appropriately (e.g., 30mm)
  • Export as footprint
3

Add to PCB

  • Import footprint
  • Place on silkscreen layer
  • Check DRC for clearances
  • Verify with 3D viewer

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Keyboard Shortcuts

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Alternative Approaches

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Direct Import to Footprint Editor

Some versions support:
  • Import DXF/SVG to footprint
  • May give better quality
  • More control over layers

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Manual Tracing

For critical applications:
  • Import image as reference
  • Manually trace with drawing tools
  • More work but better control
  • Optimized polygon count

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