PCB_Cmd-PlaceComponentPlaceComponent_AD

Applied Parameters: Action=Show | ObjectKind=Panel | ID=LibraryBrowser

Summary

This command is used to provide quick access to the Libraries panel from where you can browse and place a PCB 2D/3D Component model from any of the Available Libraries onto the current document. A PCB 2D/3D Component model is the representation of a physical device on a PCB. It includes a 2D footprint (with such items as pads for connecting to the pins of a device, a physical outline of the package, and device mounting features) and any 3D information (through the association of one or more 3D Bodies). The Libraries panel offers advanced search functions and the ability to drag and drop a component from the panel directly onto the active PCB document.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

• Choosing the Place » Component command from the main menus.
• Locating and using the Component command () on the Active Bar.

• Clicking the  button on the Wiring toolbar.
• Right-clicking in the workspace then choosing the Place » Component command from the context menu.

Use

After launching the command, the Libraries panel will either disappear or reappear, depending on whether it is currently visible or not.

Tips

1. If the panel is part of a group of panels, using this command will make it the active panel in the group - bringing it to the front in docked or floating modes and popping it out in pop-out mode.
2. Using this command will toggle the display of the panel in the position and mode in which it was last placed.
3. A currently visible panel will have a 'tick' icon next to its menu entry.
4. The panel can also be toggled, with respect to its visibility, using the View » Panels » Libraries command or by clicking the Panels button (available on the right of the Status Bar) then choosing the Libraries menu entry.

Applied Parameters: RepositionSelected=True

Summary

This command is used to reposition a number of selected components sequentially in the order that you selected them.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor by using the Tools » Component Placement » Reposition Selected Components command from the main menus.

Use

First, ensure that all components to be repositioned are selected in the design workspace. As the command works sequentially, select components progressively using the Shift+click selection approach.

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair with the first selected component attached to it. Proceed with repositioning as follows:

1. Position the first component at the required new location in the workspace then click or press Enter to effect placement.
2. Reposition each subsequent component in the selection as required by clicking or pressing Enter to effect placement each time.
3. Once all components in the original selection have been repositioned, you will exit placement mode. All components will remain selected.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement – while a component is still floating on the cursor – are:

• Press the Alt key to constrain the direction of movement to the horizontal or vertical axis, depending on the initial direction of movement.
• Press the Spacebar to rotate the component counterclockwise or Shift+Spacebar for clockwise rotation. Rotation is in accordance with the value for the Rotation Step as defined on the PCB Editor – General page of the Preferences dialog.
• Press the L key to flip the component to the other side of the board.
• Press the X or Y keys to mirror the component along the X-axis or Y-axis, respectively (on the same side of the board).
• Right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode at any time. The current component on the cursor, and all subsequent components in the sequence, will retain their original positions on the board.

Tips

1. The ability to reposition a component in this way can also be enabled as part of the Cross Select feature. Enable the Reposition selected component in PCB option in the Cross Select Mode region of the  System - Navigation page of the Preferences dialog. Then, with Cross Selection enabled, selecting a component on the schematic will select that component on the PCB and attach it to the cursor ready to be relocated.