Basic Project
- Open Fritzing
- Create a new project and save the project in your work folder.
- Select Window and check the palette windows you would like to see in the environment.
- Choose the breadboard view in the Navigator, in case it is not already selected.
- Drag & drop an Arduino from the Parts palette to the Project View.
- Drag & drop a breadboard and all other parts of your circuit.
- If you cannot find a part in the library, save your file. Then drag the Mystery Part (icon looks like a qustion mark - ?).onto the document. The Inspector will let you quickly define a new part and its connectors.
- You can arrange parts by selecting, dragging and dropping, or by using the functions in the menu bar, located under Part.
- To delete a part, select and press the Delete key.
- Click & drag the Arduino +5V connector. This should create a wire. Drop the wire on one of the breadboard's connectors. The connection is confirmed by a small green circle or square.
- Connect power on breadboard
- Do the same for GND
- Connect all parts until the circuit looks like your circuit in the real world. Connectors that are not properly connected will be colored red.
- If you click and hold on a connector, Fritzing will highlight all equipotential connectors. This can really be useful if you want to see the whole set of connections attached to this particular connection.
- Save.
- Select the schematic and pcb tabs to watch or edit your circuit in these views.
- Return to breadboard. Select any of your circuit's parts and have a look at the Part Inspector palette window.
- Click on the part's name and rename it. This is useful when you want to distinguish between similar parts.
- Go to the PCB View. The board's shape could be changed to an Arduino shield, a resizable rectangle or a custom shape.
- In Schematic View press Autoroute.
- Save Schematic as a png file
/ /Custom Parts-Option 1
Many projects require the use of some very specific parts.
Be sure to check Fritzing's library before you start creating a new part from scratch. Often there would be a quicker way to get what you need, like using a generic part or by modifying an existing part. Follow one of the two ways:Option 1: Using Generic Parts
Standard parts like ICs, resistors, and pin headers can be defined easily by using Fritzing's generic parts
- Select the part and make the modifications in the Inspector
- If you modified an IC, you might want to save this part. To do so, select your part and edit it using the Part Editor. Select Parts>Edit
- To specify all the necessary information about a new part, fill out or modify the following fields. Be sure to check your part's data sheet for exact specification.
Parts Specifications
- Name - it is sometimes useful to choose a name which is descriptive, specifying for example color and size.
- Label - helps keep track of the parts in your circuit, by numbering your parts based on this label. For example, LED1, LED2. If you manufacture a PCB, this will be extremely helpful in figuring out which part gets soldered where.
- Description - A brief description about your part that gives a few useful details, tips or links.
- Properties - the part's technical characteristics. Enter all of the distinguishing features that make your part unique. First enter the family your part belongs to such as, LED, photo resister, etc.
- Tags - makes your part findable. Enter words into the Tags field that will make your part show up in a search. Family should always be one of these tags.
- Author; Created/Updated on - Let people know how cool you are, enter your name! While you're at it, let them know when you were that cool.
- In the connectors tab you can specify the individual connectors of your part.
Add a connector pin - the connector pin represents the active connection area, that is the area where wires can attach to your part.
To add a connector pin:- press the Add connector button in the List of Connectors.
- A new connector is added to each of the graphics and to the list. Select the new connector in the list, click it again and fill out the Name and Description fields according to the part's data sheet, for example:
Name: VDD ;
Description: Positive Supply Voltage. -
You can change the type of the connector between male and female by clicking the icon to the left of the name field. When done, click Accept.
- Position and resize the connector pin - this must be done in each of the three graphics. Just drag the connector pin and place it at the proper location (for example on the part's leg). You can also resize a connector accordingly by pulling its corners. Keep in mind that the zoom function allows you to place and position your pin connectors much more accurately.
- Position the anchor point (optional) - Anchor points represent the point of connection and influence how wires and traces extend from your part. In the Breadboard View the terminal point will be the end of your pin, where the wire will connect. In the PCB View the terminal point will define traces and holes in the physical PCB. Check the Show Anchor Points box, and drag the little + sign in each view to the proper location. If you do not position the anchor point, it will be automatically positioned at the center of the connector pin.
- Click save as new part
- The saved part will end up in the Mine bin. Before you start using it, go on to the next step to test and make a quality check for your part:
-
Part Graphics:
- Does the part look like the component it's supposed to represent in all three views?
- Does the part contrast enough on the breadboard?
- Part Properties:
- Do all part properties show up in the Inspector correctly?
- Can you change the part's properties in the Inspector? (when the part belongs to a certain family)
- Part Connectors:
- Does the part fit in the breadboard?
- Do connectors turn green when components are placed in the breadboard?
- Can connectors be individually selected and wired, in all three views?
- Is the selection area on the part in the correct place?
- Do colors of connectors contrast enough to be seen and be selected?
- Based on a datasheet, are the connectors labeled correctly and consistently in all three views?
- Name - it is sometimes useful to choose a name which is descriptive, specifying for example color and size.
-
To export your part, select the part in the Part Library and click the part icon at the bottom of the library.
Choose Export..., then specify a name and location to export.
- Sometimes, you might want to access and re-edit a custom part's graphic. To do that, click the image... link under the graphic, choose the relevant .svg file and OPTION drag to copy it to a different location. Then open the file with Illustrator/inkscape and edit it (creating your graphics in SVG format). When you're done, click the image... link again to import the edited graphic and click save as new part.
Please note that Fritzing keeps your custom parts and bins in your user folder on your system, so that when you upgrade to the next Fritzing version, all are instantly accessible. Under Mac OS X it is /Users/<username>/.config/Fritzing. These folders might be hidden by default.
If you still encounter problems finding your custom parts in a new upgraded version, try to import them manually by:- selecting Help>Import parts and bins from old version... .
- Navigate and locate your old Fritzing folder and press choose
- selecting Help>Import parts and bins from old version... .
/ /Custom Parts -Option 2
Option 2- Using the Parts Editor
When your project involves a part that does not exist in Fritzing's core part library, and the part cannot be created using a generic part, you will need to use Fritzing's built-in Part Editor.Before using the Part Editor, you should think whether it makes sense to build your part from scratch, or maybe there is already some part in the library which has similar graphics that could be modified. You could then change whatever needed and save the part as a new one. This will save a lot of time.
- To create a part from scratch, open the Part > New in the menu bar.
- At the top of the Part Editor you will find the name field. Start by naming your new part.
- Further down is the part's graphic fields as well as the part's properties which are arranged in two main categories: Specifications and Connectors.
- Every Fritzing Part must have 3 different graphics for each of the 3 different views (Breadboard, Schematic and PCB), plus an icon for the parts bin. SVG, PNG and JPEG formats are supported (except for the part's pcb graphic which must be an SVG for the gerber files export to work well).
Using JPEG and PNG images is the easiest and fastest way to get things done, although zooming might pixelate your image. If you are interested in sharing your custom parts with the Fritzing community, use a vector graphic editor (Illustrator or Inkscape) to draw all part's graphics in SVG format.
You would need to design a pcb graphic only if you cannot find the right footprint for your part at Fritzing>parts>svg>core>pcb. - Start with the breadboard and schematic graphics. Use the template files or modify an existing part's graphics following these rules:
- Design according to
Fritzing's parts share the same graphic styles, colors and fonts. You should make sure to design your part according to the following standards. Find the Templates in liz_arum_classes:assignments:physical_computing:images:fritzing:fontsandtemplates.zip
1. Breadboard View Graphics
Colors
TypeNameColorHEXRGBLegsgrey8C8C8C140 140 140Cablesblue cable418DD965 141 217blue cable (shadow)1B5BB327 91 179red cableCC1414204 20 20red cable (shadow)8C0000140 0 0black cable40404064 64 64black cable (shadow)0000000 0 0yellow cableFFE24D255 226 77yellow cable (shadow)E6AB00230 171 0green cable47CC7971 204 121green cable (shadow)00A63D0 166 61grey cable999999153 153 153grey cable (shadow)666666102 102 102white cableFFFFFF255 255 255white cable (shadow)999999153 153 153orange cableFF7033255 112 51orange cable (shadow)D95821217 88 33Fonts
Fritzing uses two types of fonts for parts in the Breadboard View:
For ICs: OCR A
For other parts: OCR A or Droid SansWhen using a different font, please converted the text into paths, otherwise it won't be compatible with Fritzing.
The standard font size is 5pt and font color 10% Black (RGB 230 230 230).
Grid & Dimensions
In order to fit into the breadboard, Fritzing parts must be designed with a fixed distance of 0.1 inch between the connector pins (legs).
Legs dimensions should be 0.03 inch wide and at least 0.03 long.We recommend downloading and using our templates or the breadboard SVG as a reference while designing graphics for the Breadboard View.
2. Schematic View Graphics
Colors
The Schematic View uses only the color black (HEX 000000 / RGB 0 0 0).
Fonts
In the Schematics View, Droid Sans is used in different sizes according to the following hierarchy:
Part Name (18 points)
Pin Label (10 points)
Pin Group (10 points)
Pin Character (7 points) - for example PWMWhen using a different font, please converted the text into paths, otherwise it won't be compatible with Fritzing.
Grid & Dimensions
The fixed distance between the connector pins in the Schematic View is 7,5 mm.
Connectors dimensions should be 2,4 points thick and 7,5 mm long.We recommend downloading and using our templates as a reference while designing graphics for the Schematic View.
3. PCB View Graphics
Colors
The PCB View uses the following colors:
Type Name Color HEXRGB Connectorcopper F7BD13247 189 19Silkscreen white 0000000 0 0Fonts
Adding and editing text on your PCB can be done in three different ways:
- By editing a part's label directly in Fritzing. Fritzing uses a standard font and the text will not be included when exporting to gerber.
- By adding text after exporting to PDF (for DIY production).
- By adding text on the silkscreen layer of the PCB SVG.
Dimensions
A Part's dimensions and distance between connector pins in the PCB View should be exactly as in the real world. This is extremely important for a successful pcb production. We highly recommend checking a part's dimensions in its datasheet.
Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- The stroke of a footprint should be at least 0.5mm (20mils) thick, otherwise the connection might be ruined while drilling and soldering will be much harder.
- The hole itself should be at least 1mm (40mils) thick, so you would actually need to create a circle which is at least 1.5mm wide in diameter, because half of the stroke is drawn inside the circle.
- If your part fits on the breadboard, the distance between the footprints should be 5mm (100mils) long.
We also recommend downloading and using our templates as a reference while designing graphics for the PCB View.
4. File Naming Conventions
While it is possible to name files however you like, it helps to stick to a standard naming convention. These names should clearly describe the important attributes of a part and follow the order described here. By using standard names you make it easier for you and other users to find and reuse existing graphics. Although most description parameters are optional, it helps to provide as much detail as possible.
Breadboard and schematic images:
part#_description_package_pins_spacing_color_view.svg
For example an Atmel ATmega168 microcontroller in a narrow (300mil), 28 pin DIP package would have the following file name for the breadboard SVG file:
atmega168_microcontroller_DIP_28_300mil_breadboard.svg
PCB footprint SVGs follow a slightly different convention:
package_pins_spacing_pcb.svg
A PCB footprint SVG should only describe the industry standard "package" and not be tied to a specific part, unless the part has a unique specific footprint. In the case of our ATmega168, it uses an industry standard 28 pin narrow (300mil) DIP package, so the SVG file would be named as follows:
DIP_28_300mil_pcb.svg
Note: Many industry standard footprint graphics are already inside fritzing. It is usually best to check and make sure someone hasn't already created the PCB footprint SVG that you need. This saves you time and makes parts more consistent.
- Design according to
- When modifying an existing part, never rename its connector paths.
- Do not use any effects such as gradients and other bitmap effects.
- Use the part's datasheet and use a caliper so that you can get the correct external dimensions and reliable information about the part's specifications. You will also find the schematic symbol in the datasheet, which you can use for the schematic view graphic.
- A graphic for the PCB View should be grouped according to the different PCB layers. Open an existing footprint in Inkscape to understand how it is done.
- To make your SVG compatible with Fritzing:
- Delete all graphical artefacts like masks, meshes and styles.
- Delete all unnecessary layers (for example a breadboard image that you used as reference).
- Rearrange all graphical elements inside a single layer.
- Group all graphical elements and rename this group according to what it represents (“breadboard”, "schematic", "pcb" or "icon").
- Resize the art board to the external dimensions of the part:
Inkscape: select the group, then go to "File>Document Properties" and click on "Fit Page to Selection". Save your file as a Plain SVG (not as Inkscape SVG).
Illustrator: use the crop tool and option “Fit crop area to Artwork bounds". Save your file as SVG with the SVG profile Tiny 1.2 or Basic 1.1. Please Note: a bug in illustrator might cause the graphics to move from the crop area after saving. Close and open the file again, use the grid and drag (do not align!) the graphics to the upper left corner of the crop area, making sure all graphics are within. Save the file again, close and open it to check that the graphics are now placed correctly.
- Once you're done, import the new breadboard and schematic graphics to the Part Editor by clicking the image ... link under each of the corresponding graphic fields.
- To import a new pcb graphic, navigate to the footprint svg. files at Fritzing>parts>svg>core>pcb. Find the footprint that fits your new part and click open. In case you cannot find the correct footprint for your part, try modifing an existing footprint.
- The parts bin icon represents your part in the Part Library. It can be created from a minimized version of the breadboard view graphic. This should be a 32x32px image and can be imported to Fritzing by clicking the image ... link under the small icon field at the upper left corner of the Parts Editor.
- Delete all graphical artefacts like masks, meshes and styles.
Parts Specifications
- Name - it is sometimes useful to choose a name which is descriptive, specifying for example color and size.
- Label - helps keep track of the parts in your circuit, by numbering your parts based on this label. For example, LED1, LED2. If you manufacture a PCB, this will be extremely helpful in figuring out which part gets soldered where.
- Description - A brief description about your part that gives a few useful details, tips or links.
- Properties - the part's technical characteristics. Enter all of the distinguishing features that make your part unique. First enter the family your part belongs to such as, LED, photo resister, etc.
- Tags - makes your part findable. Enter words into the Tags field that will make your part show up in a search. Family should always be one of these tags.
- Author; Created/Updated on - Let people know how cool you are, enter your name! While you're at it, let them know when you were that cool.
- In the connectors tab you can specify the individual connectors of your part.
Add a connector pin - the connector pin represents the active connection area, that is the area where wires can attach to your part.
To add a connector pin:- press the Add connector button in the List of Connectors.
- A new connector is added to each of the graphics and to the list. Select the new connector in the list, click it again and fill out the Name and Description fields according to the part's data sheet, for example:
Name: VDD ;
Description: Positive Supply Voltage. -
You can change the type of the connector between male and female by clicking the icon to the left of the name field. When done, click Accept.
- Position and resize the connector pin - this must be done in each of the three graphics. Just drag the connector pin and place it at the proper location (for example on the part's leg). You can also resize a connector accordingly by pulling its corners. Keep in mind that the zoom function allows you to place and position your pin connectors much more accurately.
- Position the anchor point (optional) - Anchor points represent the point of connection and influence how wires and traces extend from your part. In the Breadboard View the terminal point will be the end of your pin, where the wire will connect. In the PCB View the terminal point will define traces and holes in the physical PCB. Check the Show Anchor Points box, and drag the little + sign in each view to the proper location. If you do not position the anchor point, it will be automatically positioned at the center of the connector pin.
- Click save as new part
- The saved part will end up in the Mine bin. Before you start using it, go on to the next step to test and make a quality check for your part:
-
Part Graphics:
- Does the part look like the component it's supposed to represent in all three views?
- Does the part contrast enough on the breadboard?
- Part Properties:
- Do all part properties show up in the Inspector correctly?
- Can you change the part's properties in the Inspector? (when the part belongs to a certain family)
- Part Connectors:
- Does the part fit in the breadboard?
- Do connectors turn green when components are placed in the breadboard?
- Can connectors be individually selected and wired, in all three views?
- Is the selection area on the part in the correct place?
- Do colors of connectors contrast enough to be seen and be selected?
- Based on a datasheet, are the connectors labeled correctly and consistently in all three views?
- Name - it is sometimes useful to choose a name which is descriptive, specifying for example color and size.
