A step-by-step guide, using KiCad to make a simple breakout board for tiny, tiny chips!

This is part 2: creating the physical component layout.

Open the EESchematic ("Electronic Schematic Editor")

Import Our "Part 1" Tutorial Work

Now that we've created a logical chip, we can import it into KiCad.

Preferences > component libraries > add > (find your newly saved file) > ok

Place the Component on the Board

Place (as in File/Edit/View/.../Place) > Component > (type your component's name in the filter) > select the component > ok

Working with the Footprint

Select the Footprint Editor icon

File > New Footprint > (add a name) > ok

Change the Default Text

Change "REF**" to "U**"

Add a Pad

Add a pad to your footprint. Drop it in place anywhere.

Right-click > Edit Pad > (change "Pad type" to "SMD" & change "Shape" to Rectangular").

Add Remaining Physical Parts

Creating a Library

Click the "Create new library & save current footprint" icon

Name the library "smd_MyProjectName" > ok

Add this Library to Project

Preferences > Footprint Libraries Wizard > Add (choose your "smd_MyProjectName" path > ok  (note that the file was saved as a *.pretty file) > next > (select "global" if in doubt) > finish

Select "Active Library"

Save Footprint

Select the "Save footprint in active library" icon