The default included libraries are OK but not as extensive as Eagle's. However there are several nice ones available on the internet from 3rd parties.
It's also very easy to create your own parts and footprints if you want something special and custom. There are also tools for generating them (mostly ICs) automatically, and yes you can also import Eagle libraries if you want.
However, I would think that if you've been using Eagle for 15 years you should probably stick with it, unless you hate it (but then why use it for 15 years?)
Eagle and KiCAD are rather different from each other - which is probably why I like it since Eagle gives me a headache!
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "John Anhalt" <janhalt@...> wrote:
>
> How do KiCAD libraries compare to Eagle? Can you import Eagle? Are there ULP's (like drill-aid.ulp) that help the DIY'er?
>
> I'd like to try it, but I don't want to have to redo >15 years of work.
>
> Also, nothing is completely "free." Not even Google or religion. What are the hidden costs? How is it supported?
>
> John
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: tda7000
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Friday, April 20, 2012 5:43 PM
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: pcb video
>
>
>
> x2 for KiCAD ;) Board has no limit on size or shape, number of nets etc. Only thing limited is you can't have more than 16 layers but this is a more than enough for almost anyone!
>
> When I was a kid I started out drawing PCBs by hand with graph paper. No way I would go back to that now!
>
> There are many free PCB EDA programs but I like KiCAD the best. Mainly as it's one of the few that has no artificial limits on its capabilities.
>
> That's in contrast to most free ones (like Eagle) that are stripped-down versions of a commercial one. Also, software like this expects you to purchase the full version if you want to sell things made using it.
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Donald H Locker <dhlocker@> wrote:
> >
> > $$PCB software is not necessary. KiCAD is a free (like no-$ free as well as license-free) schematic capture and PCB layout suite of tools. DesignSpark is a commercial, but $-free tool. There are others, but those are the two I use.
> >
> > Donald.
> > --
> > ∗Plain Text∗ email -- it's an accessibility issue
> > () no proprietary attachments; no html mail
> > /\ ascii ribbon campaign - <www.asciiribbon.org>
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: JanRwl@
> > > To: "Homebrew PCBs" <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
> > > Sent: Friday, April 20, 2012 1:43:46 AM
> > > Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: pcb video
> > > In a message dated 4/19/2012 17:01:30 Central Daylight Time,
> > > rmorgan62@ writes:
> > >
> > > LOL I know I may be showing my age but I've had to do this. I wish I
> > > could
> > > still find the Bishop Grapics<<
> > > ME, too ! ! ! The stock I have is getting too old to "stick" anymore,
> > > and I do NOT have $$ PCB software!
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------
> > >
> > > Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and
> > > Photos:
> > > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>