Fritzing uses SVG graphics for the visual representation of parts (breadboard, schematic, PCB views). Inkscape is a popular open-source vector editor you can use to create and edit these SVG files.
Steps to create a Fritzing part graphic in Inkscape
Plan your part
- Determine the views you need:
- Breadboard view: realistic visual appearance.
- Schematic view: simple electrical symbols.
- PCB footprint: for PCB layout (often simpler than breadboard view).
- Decide pin positions, labels, and part dimensions.
Set up Inkscape documentt
- Open Inkscape.
- Set the canvas size:
- Fritzing expects sizes in px, with 1 px = 1 mil (1/1000 inch) (by Fritzing convention).
- e.g. a 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) pin spacing = 100 px.
- Use File → Document Properties to set:
- Display units: px
- Custom size: wide enough for your part.
- Set grid for easier alignment:
- Go to View → Page Grid and File → Document Properties → Grids to set up a grid (spacing of 100 px for 0.1” pin pitch).
Draw your graphic
- Use simple shapes (rectangles, circles, paths) to build your part.
- For pins/pads:
- Make small circles or rectangles exactly where the pins will be.
- Color code:
- Fritzing uses specific colors. For breadboard view, realistic colors are fine.
- Keep schematic view simpler (lines, rectangles, and pin labels).
Name IDs for Fritzing
Very important: Fritzing identifies parts by the ID labels of SVG elements.
Use Object → Object Properties (or Ctrl+Shift+O) in Inkscape.
For each connector (pin), create a shape (like a circle) and name it:
nginx
CopyEdit
connectorXpin
where X is the connector number. Example:
- connector0pin for pin 0
- connector1pin for pin 1
(If you have multiple layers like copper, silk, outline in PCB view, use connectorXpad.)
Group and layer structure
- Fritzing expects certain groups:
- Breadboard view: all graphics inside a <g id=”breadboard”> group.
- Schematic view: <g id=”schematic”>
- PCB view: <g id=”pcb”>
In Inkscape, name the top-level group appropriately.
Save as Plain SVG
- Save your drawing using File → Save As → Plain SVG (*.svg).
- Avoid Inkscape-specific SVG. Fritzing prefers simpler SVG.
Load into Fritzing
- In Fritzing’s Parts Editor:
- Create or edit a part.
- Import your SVG graphics for the breadboard, schematic, or PCB view.
- Map the connector IDs to the appropriate pins.
Tips
- Use the XML Editor (Edit → XML Editor) to directly view and edit IDs and group structure.
- Keep the drawing simple. Complex effects (gradients, filters) are not well supported.
- You can use stroke and fill for simple colors.