PCB_Cmd-PlaceComponentsFromFilePlaceComponentsFromFile_AD

Applied Parameters: None

Summary

This command is used to position existing components within your design, based on locations specified within a pick-and-place file. This feature is particularly useful if you are given critical placement information in the form of a pick-and-place file. It can also provide a useful method for quickly applying a favorite/preferred placement obtained by previously generating a Pick and Place file from Altium Designer.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor by choosing the Tools » Component Placement » Place From File command from the main menus.

Use

First, ensure that any components that are not to be moved are locked by setting their Locked option. This can be performed through the Properties panel or through the PCB List panel - both panels allow you to quickly set this option for all required and selected components in a single action.

After launching the command, the Load File Name dialog will open. Use this dialog to browse to and open the relevant pick-and-place file for the design. Any components in the design that are listed in the pick-and-place file will have their positions updated if their current position is different from that listed in the file (the file position will be used).

Notes

• A component must already exist in the design space and have the corresponding designator, as listed in the pick-and-place file, in order for the move to take place.
• The following data columns must be present in the pick-and-place file: Center-X (Mid-X), Center-Y (Mid-Y), Comment, Designator, Layer, and Rotation. The columns can be in any order. (show image)
• Imperial and Metric Units are supported (the pick-and-place file details which Units are being used).
• The Center-X (Mid-X) and Center-Y (Mid-Y) coordinates in the pick-and-place file are used as the reference for position changes; other coordinates are ignored.