# Scaling Down a KiCad PCB Design
**A complete chat transcript — Fab Academy, March 24–25, 2026**
**User: Dorian Fritze**

---

## Turn 1

**Dorian:** you are a kicad, fab academy, makeraCam, carvera milling machine expert. I made my pcb in kicad too big. Can I make it smaller, and then fix the traces so they aren't too thin?

**Claude:** Yes, absolutely! Here's how to resize your PCB in KiCad and fix the traces afterward:

### Resizing the PCB Board Outline

1. **Open PCB Editor** (PCBnew)
2. **Select the Edge.Cuts layer** — this defines your board outline
3. To resize:
   - Click on the board outline shape
   - Use **Edit > Change Footprint** or grab corner/edge handles and drag
   - Or double-click a line segment to edit its exact coordinates in the properties dialog
   - For precise sizing: select all Edge.Cuts lines, then use **Edit > Set Exact Position** or the properties panel

### Shrinking Everything Together (Move + Rescale Components)

If you need to scale *everything* down proportionally:

1. **Select All** (Ctrl+A)
2. Right-click → **Properties** — unfortunately KiCad doesn't have a true "scale all" for layouts
3. **Better approach:** Use the **Scripting Console** (Tools → Scripting Console):

```python
import pcbnew
board = pcbnew.GetBoard()
# Scale factor (e.g., 0.8 = 80% of original size)
scale = 0.8
origin = pcbnew.VECTOR2I(pcbnew.FromMM(100), pcbnew.FromMM(100))  # adjust to your board center

for item in board.GetFootprints():
    pos = item.GetPosition()
    new_x = origin.x + int((pos.x - origin.x) * scale)
    new_y = origin.y + int((pos.y - origin.y) * scale)
    item.SetPosition(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(new_x, new_y))

pcbnew.Refresh()
```

> ⚠️ This moves components but **does not scale the footprints themselves** — pads stay the same size, which is usually what you want.

### Fixing Trace Widths After Resizing

After moving things closer together, traces may need updating:

**Check Design Rules First**
- **Inspect → Design Rules Checker (DRC)** — run this to find any violations

**Update Trace Widths Globally**
1. Go to **File → Board Setup → Design Rules → Constraints**
2. Set your **minimum trace width** (for Carvera milling, typically **0.4mm–0.8mm** minimum depending on your bit)
3. For net-specific rules, use **Net Classes**

**Fix Thin Traces**
- **Select all traces**: Edit → Find, or click one trace → Right-click → **Select → All Tracks in Net**
- Then **Edit → Change Track Width** to set a new width
- Or use **Interactive Router Settings** and re-route

**For Carvera/FabAcademy Milling Specs**

| Parameter | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Min trace width | 0.4mm (1/64" bit) |
| Min clearance | 0.4mm |
| Min drill size | 0.8mm |
| Edge clearance | 1.0mm |

**Workflow Tip**

A clean resize workflow:
1. Resize Edge.Cuts outline first
2. Manually re-arrange components inside the new boundary
3. **Re-run the auto-router** or manually re-route traces
4. Run **DRC** to catch anything too thin or too close
5. Export Gerbers / DXF for MakerCAM or Carvera

Want help with the scripting approach, setting up design rules for the Carvera, or exporting for MakerCAM?

---

## Turn 2

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot of KiCad scripting console showing SyntaxError)*

![Screenshot 1:58 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_1_58_03_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## The Problem: KiCad Shell is Line-by-Line

The KiCad scripting console doesn't accept multi-line blocks pasted all at once. You're getting `SyntaxError: multiple statements found while compiling a single statement` because it tried to run everything as one line.

### Fix: Enter Commands One Line at a Time

Type (or paste) **each line separately**, pressing Enter after each:

```python
import pcbnew
```
```python
board = pcbnew.GetBoard()
```
```python
scale = 0.8
```
```python
origin = pcbnew.VECTOR2I(pcbnew.FromMM(100), pcbnew.FromMM(100))
```

For the **for loop**, you need to use `exec()` to run a block — paste this whole thing as **one single line**:

```python
exec("for item in board.GetFootprints():\n    pos = item.GetPosition()\n    new_x = origin.x + int((pos.x - origin.x) * scale)\n    new_y = origin.y + int((pos.y - origin.y) * scale)\n    item.SetPosition(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(new_x, new_y))")
```

Then:
```python
pcbnew.Refresh()
```

### Better Option: Run a Script File Instead

1. Save the full script as a `.py` file, e.g. `resize_board.py` on your Desktop
2. In the KiCad shell, run:
```python
exec(open('/Users/dorianfritze/Desktop/resize_board.py').read())
```

This avoids the line-by-line limitation entirely and is much cleaner. Want me to write the complete script file with the Edge.Cuts scaling included too?

---

## Turn 3

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot showing script ran successfully with scale=0.5)*

![Screenshot 2:02 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_2_02_35_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## Great Progress! The Script Ran Successfully! 🎉

Looking at the Namespace panel, I can see it worked:

- `scale: 0.5` ✅
- `origin: VECTOR2I(100000000, 100000000)` ✅
- `item: <pcbnew.FOOTPRINT...>` ✅
- `new_x: 114050000`, `new_y: 89000000` ✅

The components moved. Now you need to **also scale the Edge.Cuts outline** and **fix the traces**.

### Step 1: Scale the Edge.Cuts Board Outline

Run these one at a time:

```python
import pcbnew
```
```python
board = pcbnew.GetBoard()
```
```python
scale = 0.5
```
```python
origin = pcbnew.VECTOR2I(pcbnew.FromMM(100), pcbnew.FromMM(100))
```
```python
exec("for item in board.GetDrawings():\n    if item.GetLayer() == pcbnew.Edge_Cuts:\n        start = item.GetStart()\n        end = item.GetEnd()\n        new_sx = origin.x + int((start.x - origin.x) * scale)\n        new_sy = origin.y + int((start.y - origin.y) * scale)\n        new_ex = origin.x + int((end.x - origin.x) * scale)\n        new_ey = origin.y + int((end.y - origin.y) * scale)\n        item.SetStart(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(new_sx, new_sy))\n        item.SetEnd(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(new_ex, new_ey))")
```
```python
pcbnew.Refresh()
```

### Step 2: Scale the Traces Too

```python
exec("for track in board.GetTracks():\n    start = track.GetStart()\n    end = track.GetEnd()\n    new_sx = origin.x + int((start.x - origin.x) * scale)\n    new_sy = origin.y + int((start.y - origin.y) * scale)\n    new_ex = origin.x + int((end.x - origin.x) * scale)\n    new_ey = origin.y + int((end.y - origin.y) * scale)\n    track.SetStart(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(new_sx, new_sy))\n    track.SetEnd(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(new_ex, new_ey))")
```
```python
pcbnew.Refresh()
```

### Step 3: Fix Trace Widths (make them Carvera-millable)

```python
exec("for track in board.GetTracks():\n    if track.GetWidth() < pcbnew.FromMM(0.4):\n        track.SetWidth(pcbnew.FromMM(0.4))")
```
```python
pcbnew.Refresh()
```
```python
board.Save(board.GetFileName())
```

---

## Turn 4

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot showing Edge.Cuts diagnostic output)*

![Screenshot 2:06 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_2_06_33_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## Found It! Layer 25 = Edge.Cuts

The board outline is **layer 25** (not layer 44 as expected — this is KiCad 9's numbering). And critically, it shows:

`25 PCB_SHAPE (50000000, 50000000) (50000000, 50000000)`

**Start and end are the same point** — this means it's a **polygon**, not lines. The `GetStart()`/`GetEnd()` approach won't work on it.

### Fix: Scale the Polygon Points Directly

Run these one at a time:

```python
board = pcbnew.GetBoard()
```
```python
scale = 0.5
```
```python
origin = pcbnew.VECTOR2I(pcbnew.FromMM(100), pcbnew.FromMM(100))
```
```python
exec("for item in board.GetDrawings():\n    if item.GetLayer() == 25:\n        shape = item.GetPolyShape()\n        for i in range(shape.PointCount()):\n            pt = shape.CPoint(i)\n            nx = origin.x + int((pt.x - origin.x) * scale)\n            ny = origin.y + int((pt.y - origin.y) * scale)\n            shape.SetPoint(i, pcbnew.VECTOR2I(nx, ny))")
```
```python
pcbnew.Refresh()
```
```python
board.Save(board.GetFileName())
```

---

## Turn 5

**Dorian:** when I made the edge cuts I tried to follow an image. It looks choppy. is there a better way to trace an image?

**Claude:** Yes! Tracing an image freehand in KiCad is really painful and produces exactly that choppy result. Here are much better workflows:

### Best Options for Tracing an Image

**Option 1: Inkscape → SVG → KiCad (Recommended for Fab Academy)**

1. **Open your image in Inkscape** (free)
2. **Path → Trace Bitmap** — auto-traces the image into smooth vectors
3. **Save as SVG**
4. In KiCad PCB editor: **File → Import → Graphics**
   - Select your SVG
   - Choose **Edge.Cuts** as the target layer
   - Set scale to match your desired board size

**Option 2: Bitmap2Component (Built into KiCad)**

1. **Tools → Edit Footprint Libraries** or launch **Bitmap2Component** from KiCad main window
2. Load your PNG/JPG
3. Set output to **Edge.Cuts**

**Option 3: FlatCAM or MakerCAM Path Trace**

Import the image directly into **Inkscape**, trace it, export as DXF, import the DXF into KiCad as your board outline.

**Quick Inkscape Trace Bitmap Tips**

| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mode | Single scan → Edge detection |
| Threshold | Start at 0.5, adjust |
| Smooth corners | Check this box! |
| Suppress speckles | 2-4 px |

After tracing, use **Path → Simplify** (Ctrl+L) to reduce node count while keeping smooth curves.

---

## Turn 6

**Dorian:** so I will skip resizing the edge cut so that I can remake it better

**Claude:** Smart move! Here's how to cleanly reset and start fresh:

### Step 1: Delete the Current Edge.Cuts

In KiCad PCB editor:
1. Click any edge cut line
2. Right-click → **Select** → **All Tracks on Layer** (with Edge.Cuts active)
3. Hit **Delete**

### Step 2: Trace Your Image with Inkscape

1. **File → Import** your image into Inkscape
2. Click the image, then **Path → Trace Bitmap**
3. Choose **Edge Detection**, hit OK
4. Delete the original raster image underneath
5. **Path → Simplify** (Ctrl+L) a few times to smooth it
6. **File → Save As → Plain SVG**

### Step 3: Import SVG into KiCad as Edge.Cuts

```
KiCad PCB Editor → File → Import → Graphics
→ Select your SVG
→ Layer: Edge.Cuts
→ Scale as needed
```

### But Wait — Your Components Are Already Scaled!

Run this to check your component bounds:

```python
exec("xs = [item.GetPosition().x for item in board.GetFootprints()]\nys = [item.GetPosition().y for item in board.GetFootprints()]\nprint('X range:', min(xs)/1e6, 'to', max(xs)/1e6, 'mm')\nprint('Y range:', min(ys)/1e6, 'to', max(ys)/1e6, 'mm')")
```

What shape are you tracing for the board outline?

---

## Turn 7

**Dorian:** before i do that, I need to scale the rest of my pcb. I only did the footprints

**Claude:** Right! You still need to scale the **traces** and the **F.Cu copper shapes** (all those layer 0 drawings). Run these in order:

### Scale the Traces

```python
board = pcbnew.GetBoard()
```
```python
scale = 0.5
```
```python
origin = pcbnew.VECTOR2I(pcbnew.FromMM(100), pcbnew.FromMM(100))
```
```python
exec("for track in board.GetTracks():\n    s = track.GetStart()\n    e = track.GetEnd()\n    track.SetStart(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((s.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((s.y - origin.y) * scale)))\n    track.SetEnd(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((e.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((e.y - origin.y) * scale)))")
```
```python
pcbnew.Refresh()
```

### Scale the F.Cu Copper Drawings (Layer 0)

```python
exec("for item in board.GetDrawings():\n    if item.GetLayer() == 0:\n        s = item.GetStart()\n        e = item.GetEnd()\n        item.SetStart(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((s.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((s.y - origin.y) * scale)))\n        item.SetEnd(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((e.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((e.y - origin.y) * scale)))")
```
```python
pcbnew.Refresh()
```

### Fix Trace Widths (Carvera minimum 0.4mm)

```python
exec("for track in board.GetTracks():\n    if track.GetWidth() < pcbnew.FromMM(0.4):\n        track.SetWidth(pcbnew.FromMM(0.4))")
```
```python
pcbnew.Refresh()
```

### Save When Happy

```python
board.Save(board.GetFileName())
```

---

## Turn 8

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot showing board state after initial scaling — flower shape and PCB components misaligned)*

![Screenshot 2:35 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_2_35_14_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## I Can See the Problem Clearly Now!

Your board has two separate things that got mixed up:

1. **The flower/organic shape** (top left) — this is your Edge.Cuts outline you traced from an image, it's the choppy blob shape
2. **The actual PCB components** (bottom right rectangle area) — this is your real circuit, but it's **outside/offset from the Edge.Cuts**

The red flood fill is covering both areas which is why it looks chaotic.

### What Needs to Happen

1. **Delete the flower Edge.Cuts** entirely
2. **Move all your components** so they're centered where you want them
3. **Remake the Edge.Cuts** cleanly around the components

### First — Check Component Bounds

```python
exec("xs = [item.GetPosition().x for item in board.GetFootprints()]\nys = [item.GetPosition().y for item in board.GetFootprints()]\nprint('X range:', min(xs)/1e6, 'to', max(xs)/1e6, 'mm')\nprint('Y range:', min(ys)/1e6, 'to', max(ys)/1e6, 'mm')\nprint('Width:', (max(xs)-min(xs))/1e6, 'mm')\nprint('Height:', (max(ys)-min(ys))/1e6, 'mm')")
```

---

## Turn 9

**Dorian:** *(shared original design sketch)*

![Original PCB Design Sketch](screenshots/idea-pcb-dorianino.png)

I want my pcb to look like this. the traces are part of the design. There are some extra lines to be drilled as part of the design

**Claude:** Oh wow, this is a fantastic and ambitious design! 🎨 A thought-cloud PCB with a lightbulb — the traces ARE the art. This is very Fab Academy spirit!

### Understanding Your Design

| Element | KiCad Layer | Carvera Operation |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud outline | Edge.Cuts | Mill/cut board shape |
| Radiating slash marks | Edge.Cuts or Eco1.User | Drill/mill slots |
| Lightbulb outline | F.Cu or F.Silkscreen | Engrave or copper |
| Circuit traces | F.Cu | Mill isolation |

### Recommended Workflow

```
Sketch photo → Inkscape (trace each element separately)
→ Export separate SVGs per layer
→ Import each SVG into correct KiCad layer
→ Place components on top
→ Route functional traces artistically
```

### Key Inkscape Tip

Trace **each element separately**:
- Trace cloud outline alone → save as `cloud_edge.svg`
- Trace lightbulb alone → save as `lightbulb_copper.svg`
- Draw radiating lines manually → save as `rays_cuts.svg`

### Big Question Before You Continue

**Are your current traces already routed artistically**, or are they just auto-routed and you want to redesign them to look like the sketch?

---

## Turn 10

**Dorian:** I manually artistically made them.

**Claude:** That's incredible work — those curvy artistic traces are worth preserving! So your priority is clear:

### What You Have (Keep It!)
- ✅ Artistic traces — **already done, already scaled**
- ✅ Footprints — **already scaled**
- ❌ Edge.Cuts — needs to be deleted and remade as the cloud shape
- ❌ Lightbulb + radiating lines — need to be added as decorative elements

### Your To-Do List in Order

1. Run DRC to make sure traces aren't too thin after the 0.5x scale
2. Delete the current Edge.Cuts
3. Trace the cloud in Inkscape
4. Import cloud SVG → KiCad Edge.Cuts
5. Add the lightbulb + rays

### One Important Question

When you mill this on the Carvera, the cloud outline will be **cut all the way through**. The radiating slash marks inside — do you want those to be:

**A)** Milled slots (cut through the board)
**B)** Engraved lines (just surface cuts, not through)
**C)** Copper traces (conductive, shiny)

---

## Turn 11

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot showing board with two versions — one scaled, one not)*

![Screenshot 2:51 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_2_51_56_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## I Can See Exactly What Happened!

- **Bottom left** — the old unscaled version (big, with red flood fill) still sitting there
- **Upper right** — the scaled components (small, correct size) but missing some elements

The curved traces (thought bubble circle and the spiral/coil) **didn't scale** because they are likely **arcs**.

### Fix Arcs — Run This

```python
board = pcbnew.GetBoard()
```
```python
scale = 0.5
```
```python
origin = pcbnew.VECTOR2I(pcbnew.FromMM(100), pcbnew.FromMM(100))
```
```python
exec("for track in board.GetTracks():\n    if track.GetClass() == 'PCB_ARC':\n        s = track.GetStart()\n        e = track.GetEnd()\n        m = track.GetMid()\n        track.SetStart(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((s.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((s.y - origin.y) * scale)))\n        track.SetEnd(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((e.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((e.y - origin.y) * scale)))\n        track.SetMid(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((m.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((m.y - origin.y) * scale)))")
```
```python
pcbnew.Refresh()
```

---

## Turn 12

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — curved traces still didn't scale)*

![Screenshot 2:55 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_2_55_38_PM.png)

they still didn't scale

**Claude:** Looking at the screenshot, the arcs are still big. The issue is likely that those curves are **PCB_SHAPE arcs on F.Cu** (drawings), not track arcs. Let's check:

### First — Diagnose What They Are

```python
exec("for track in board.GetTracks():\n    print(track.GetClass(), track.GetStart(), track.GetEnd())")
```

And also check drawings:
```python
exec("for item in board.GetDrawings():\n    print(item.GetLayer(), item.GetClass(), item.GetShape())")
```

### Most Likely Fix — Scale Arcs in Drawings

```python
exec("for item in board.GetDrawings():\n    if item.GetLayer() == 0 and item.GetClass() == 'PCB_SHAPE':\n        s = item.GetStart()\n        e = item.GetEnd()\n        c = item.GetCenter()\n        item.SetStart(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((s.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((s.y - origin.y) * scale)))\n        item.SetEnd(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((e.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((e.y - origin.y) * scale)))\n        item.SetCenter(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((c.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((c.y - origin.y) * scale)))")
```
```python
pcbnew.Refresh()
```

---

## Turn 13

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — bad arc scaling produced giant circles)*

![Screenshot 2:58 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_2_58_58_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## You're Right — Edge.Cuts Didn't Scale Properly

**Lesson learned:** `SetCenter()` does not correctly scale arcs in KiCad 9. Need to use `SetMid()` for arcs.

### Fix — Scale All Layer 0 Shapes Using Mid Point for Arcs

```python
exec("for item in board.GetDrawings():\n    if item.GetLayer() == 0:\n        s = item.GetStart()\n        e = item.GetEnd()\n        item.SetStart(...)\n        item.SetEnd(...)\n        if hasattr(item, 'GetMid'):\n            m = item.GetMid()\n            item.SetMid(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((m.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((m.y - origin.y) * scale)))")
```

---

## Turn 14

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot showing undo attempt dialog)*

![Screenshot 3:00 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_3_00_58_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## Stop Using Scripts for the Curves

The scripting approach keeps causing problems with these artistic arcs. Let's just **do it manually** — it will be faster and safer at this point.

> ⚠️ **Critical lesson:** Python scripting changes in KiCad **do not go into the undo buffer**. Ctrl+Z could not reverse the bad script. Always save a backup before running any script:
> ```python
> board.Save('/Users/dorianfritze/Desktop/week06-BACKUP.kicad_pcb')
> ```

---

## Turn 15

**Dorian:** i need to go back to a past backup again

**Claude:** ## Check Your Backups!

You should have several saved. In Finder, check your Desktop for:

- `week06-SAFE-BACKUP.kicad_pcb`
- `week06-SAFE-BACKUP2.kicad_pcb`
- `week06-BACKUP-before-manual.kicad_pcb`

Also check the KiCad auto-backups folder:
```
/Users/dorianfritze/Desktop/Fab Academy staging folder/week06/KiCad/week06-assignment/backups/
```

---

## Turn 16

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot showing revert confirmation dialog)*

![Screenshot 3:15 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_3_15_59_PM.png)

can i revert?

**Claude:** ## Look at the Background First! ⚠️

Before you click Yes, look at what's visible behind the dialog — the board in the background looks like it's in a **pretty good state**.

**The question is: when did you last save?**

- If you saved **after** the good scaling work → click **Yes**
- If you last saved **before** any scaling → clicking Yes will lose all your scaling work

**Click No for now** while you check the backups folder.

---

## Turn 17

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot showing autosave loaded)*

![Screenshot 3:19 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_3_19_28_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## This is the Autosave!

Look at the bottom — it says `File: _autosave-week06-assignment.kicad_pcb`. This looks like your **original unscaled version** — but that's actually **good news** — it means you have a clean starting point!

---

## Turn 18

**Dorian:** it has the first scaling done

**Claude:** ## That's Actually Perfect! 🎉

So from this autosave you still need to:

- ✅ Footprints scaled — **already done**
- ❌ Traces — **not yet scaled**
- ❌ F.Cu drawings/arcs — **not yet scaled**
- ❌ Edge.Cuts — **needs to be remade anyway**

**File → Save As** and give it a new name like `week06-assignment-v2.kicad_pcb`

Then save a backup via script:
```python
board.Save('/Users/dorianfritze/Desktop/week06-SAFE-BACKUP.kicad_pcb')
```

---

## Turn 19

**Dorian:** remind me how to get into the script editor again

**Claude:** In KiCad PCB Editor:

**Tools → Scripting Console**

Or the keyboard shortcut:

**`** (backtick key — top left of keyboard, same key as `~`)

---

## Turn 20

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot showing pcbnew not defined error)*

![Screenshot 3:23 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_3_23_04_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## `pcbnew` Not Imported Yet!

The shell was freshly opened so it doesn't have `pcbnew` imported. Run this first:

```python
import pcbnew
```

Then:
```python
board = pcbnew.GetBoard()
```

Then save the backup:
```python
board.Save('/Users/dorianfritze/Desktop/week06-SAFE-BACKUP.kicad_pcb')
```

---

## Turn 21

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot showing import error)*

![Screenshot 3:24 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_3_24_05_PM.png)

**Claude:** Always run `import pcbnew` first in every new scripting session!

---

## Turn 22

**Dorian:** good to go

**Claude:** ## Scale the Traces

```python
scale = 0.5
```
```python
origin = pcbnew.VECTOR2I(pcbnew.FromMM(100), pcbnew.FromMM(100))
```
```python
exec("for track in board.GetTracks():\n    s = track.GetStart()\n    e = track.GetEnd()\n    track.SetStart(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((s.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((s.y - origin.y) * scale)))\n    track.SetEnd(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((e.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((e.y - origin.y) * scale)))")
```
```python
pcbnew.Refresh()
```

**Stop and take a screenshot** before doing anything else!

---

## Turn 23

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot showing traces scaled)*

![Screenshot 3:25 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_3_25_37_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## Good Progress! Traces Scaled ✅

The straight traces are now scaled and aligned with the components. Curved shapes still need attention.

### Scale Straight Line Drawings (Shape 0 only)

```python
exec("for item in board.GetDrawings():\n    if item.GetLayer() == 0 and item.GetShape() == 0:\n        s = item.GetStart()\n        e = item.GetEnd()\n        item.SetStart(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((s.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((s.y - origin.y) * scale)))\n        item.SetEnd(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((e.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((e.y - origin.y) * scale)))")
```
```python
pcbnew.Refresh()
```

---

## Turn 24

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — curved lines still didn't scale)*

![Screenshot 3:28 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_3_28_45_PM.png)

they still didn't scale

**Claude:** ## Save What You Have First!

```python
board.Save('/Users/dorianfritze/Desktop/week06-BACKUP-before-manual.kicad_pcb')
```

### Stop Using Scripts for the Curves

Those 3 stray curves are **not worth another script disaster**. Delete them manually and redraw by hand.

---

## Turn 25

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot showing board looking good zoomed in)*

![Screenshot 3:30 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_3_30_47_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## This Looks Really Good! 🎉

I can see only **2-3 unscaled shapes** that need fixing. Click directly on one of those stray curves — what layer does it show in the status bar?

---

## Turn 26

**Dorian:** F.Cu.up

**Claude:** ## F.Cu.user — That's a User Drawing Layer!

That means those curves are on **F.Cu.user**, not F.Cu proper. That's why the scaling scripts missed them.

### Quick Fix — Find the Layer Number

```python
exec("for item in board.GetDrawings():\n    if 'user' in str(item.GetLayer()).lower() or item.GetLayer() > 30:\n        print(item.GetLayer(), item.GetClass(), item.GetShape(), item.GetStart())")
```

---

## Turn 27

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — diagnostic returned no output)*

![Screenshot 3:34 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_3_34_17_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## The Diagnostic Printed Nothing!

Let's print ALL drawing layers to find it:

```python
exec("seen = set()\nfor item in board.GetDrawings():\n    l = item.GetLayer()\n    if l not in seen:\n        seen.add(l)\n        print('Layer:', l, board.GetLayerName(l))")
```

---

## Turn 28

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot showing properties dialog — Layer: F.Cu, Net: D3)*

![Screenshot 3:35 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_3_35_06_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## It's F.Cu Layer 0 — And It Has a Net (D3)!

This is important:
- **Layer: F.Cu** (layer 0) ✅
- **Net: D3** — this is an **actual copper trace connected to net D3**, not just a decorative drawing!
- **Line width: 0.2mm** — too thin for Carvera milling

This means it's a **functional artistic trace** that's part of your circuit.

---

## Turn 29

**Dorian:** and it messed up again

**Claude:** ## Save What You Have First!

```python
board.Save('/Users/dorianfritze/Desktop/week06-BACKUP-before-manual.kicad_pcb')
```

### Stop Using Scripts for the Curves

The scripting approach keeps causing problems. Manually click and delete the bad curves, then redraw them by hand.

---

## Turn 30

**Dorian:** i need to go back to a past backup again

**Claude:** Check your Desktop for:
- `week06-SAFE-BACKUP.kicad_pcb`
- `week06-SAFE-BACKUP2.kicad_pcb`
- `week06-BACKUP-before-manual.kicad_pcb`

---

## Turn 31

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — backup2 restored, board looking good)*

![Screenshot 3:42 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_3_42_16_PM.png)

i went to backup2

**Claude:** ## This Looks Really Good! 🎉

Save this state RIGHT NOW:
```python
import pcbnew
board = pcbnew.GetBoard()
board.Save('/Users/dorianfritze/Desktop/week06-GOLDEN.kicad_pcb')
```

Then manually delete the 3 bad curves and redraw them by hand. **No more scaling scripts!** ✋

---

## Turn 32

**Dorian:** the lightbulb and cloud are not scaled. i hadn't realized that before

**Claude:** ## You're Right!

The **cloud and lightbulb are still at original large scale**. Given all the scripting pain, the **cleanest path forward** is:

1. **Keep your scaled components and traces**
2. **Delete ALL the artistic F.Cu drawings**
3. **Delete the Edge.Cuts**
4. **Recreate everything in Inkscape** at the correct scale
5. **Redraw the coil/spiral** by hand in KiCad

**Save the Golden Backup First!**
```python
board.Save('/Users/dorianfritze/Desktop/week06-GOLDEN.kicad_pcb')
```

---

## Turn 33

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — double scaling problem visible)*

![Screenshot 4:03 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_4_03_00_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## Yes — Some Things Got Double-Scaled

The XIAO and J8 connector were far from the rest. At this point the cleanest solution is to go all the way back to the **original unscaled file**.

### The Better Approach

The fundamental challenge:
- ✅ Footprint **positions** → must scale
- ❌ Footprint **pad/component sizes** → must NOT scale
- ✅ Trace positions → must scale

Do you still have the very first unmodified version of the PCB?

---

## Turn 34

**Dorian:** yes

**Claude:** ## Perfect — Open the Original File

Then **manually delete all curved artistic elements** before running any scripts:
- Lightbulb outline, cloud interior curves, thought bubble circles, coil/spiral, radiating slashes, Edge.Cuts outline

**Leave only footprints and straight traces.**

Then run the proven scripts on simple straight geometry only, and rebuild all art manually after scaling.

---

## Turn 35

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — original clean file open)*

![Screenshot 4:11 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_4_11_01_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## Save This State First Before Anything Else!

```python
import pcbnew
board = pcbnew.GetBoard()
board.Save('/Users/dorianfritze/Desktop/week06-ORIGINAL-PROTECTED.kicad_pcb')
```

---

## Turn 36

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — curved art deleted, straight geometry remaining)*

![Screenshot 4:12 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_4_12_29_PM.png)

oops i jumped ahead, and deleted all curves

**Claude:** ## Actually... This Looks Pretty Good! 😄

The remaining curves are actually the **functional artistic traces** that are part of your circuit routing. Save this state and run the scaling scripts!

```python
scale = 0.5
origin = pcbnew.VECTOR2I(pcbnew.FromMM(100), pcbnew.FromMM(100))
exec("for item in board.GetFootprints():\n    pos = item.GetPosition()\n    item.SetPosition(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((pos.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((pos.y - origin.y) * scale)))")
pcbnew.Refresh()
```

---

## Turn 37

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — footprints scaled)*

![Screenshot 5:41 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_5_41_27_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## Footprints Scaled! Now Scale the Traces

```python
exec("for track in board.GetTracks():\n    s = track.GetStart()\n    e = track.GetEnd()\n    track.SetStart(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((s.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((s.y - origin.y) * scale)))\n    track.SetEnd(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((e.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((e.y - origin.y) * scale)))")
```
```python
pcbnew.Refresh()
```

---

## Turn 38

**Dorian:** d1 and r2 are in the correct placement for the scaled footprints. i just need to scale the traces

**Claude:** ## Scale the Traces Now

```python
exec("for track in board.GetTracks():\n    s = track.GetStart()\n    e = track.GetEnd()\n    track.SetStart(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((s.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((s.y - origin.y) * scale)))\n    track.SetEnd(pcbnew.VECTOR2I(origin.x + int((e.x - origin.x) * scale), origin.y + int((e.y - origin.y) * scale)))")
```
```python
pcbnew.Refresh()
```

---

## Turn 39

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — traces scaled, board looking good)*

![Screenshot 5:50 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_5_50_56_PM.png)

looks good

**Claude:** ## Looking Great! 🎉

Save this good state:
```python
board.Save('/Users/dorianfritze/Desktop/week06-SCALED-CLEAN.kicad_pcb')
```

### Fix Trace Widths (Carvera minimum 0.4mm)
```python
exec("for track in board.GetTracks():\n    if track.GetWidth() < pcbnew.FromMM(0.4):\n        track.SetWidth(pcbnew.FromMM(0.4))")
```
```python
pcbnew.Refresh()
```

---

## Turn 40

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — trace widths fixed)*

![Screenshot 5:52 PM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-24_at_5_52_23_PM.png)

**Claude:** ## Trace Widths Fixed and Looking Good! 🎉

Save this state and run DRC. Then the fun part — import cloud SVG as Edge.Cuts and redraw the artistic elements!

---

## Turn 41

**Dorian:** this is never going to work

**Claude:** I hear you — it's been a really frustrating day. But honestly, look at how far you've gotten:

### What You Actually Accomplished Today
- ✅ Learned KiCad Python scripting from scratch
- ✅ Successfully scaled footprint positions
- ✅ Successfully scaled all straight traces
- ✅ Fixed trace widths for Carvera milling
- ✅ Recovered from multiple disasters using backups
- ✅ Have a working scaled PCB layout right now

Take a break — you made real progress today and the hardest parts are done. Save it, close KiCad, and come back tomorrow with fresh eyes.

```python
board.Save('/Users/dorianfritze/Desktop/week06-SCALED-CLEAN.kicad_pcb')
```

---

## Turn 42

**Dorian:** the traces are way too small now, they need to all be remade. i might as well import the schematic design and do it again

**Claude:** You're right — and honestly, **starting the routing fresh is the correct call**. Just delete all the traces and start fresh routing on the scaled footprints.

### Delete All Traces
```python
exec("for track in board.GetTracks():\n    board.Remove(track)")
```
```python
pcbnew.Refresh()
```

### One Tip for This Time

Set your **default trace width to 0.4mm** before you start routing:
- **File → Board Setup → Design Rules → Constraints**
- Set minimum trace width to 0.4mm

---

## Turn 43

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — board with cloud SVG imported and re-routed traces)*

![Screenshot 12:25 AM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-25_at_12_25_53_AM.png)

**Claude:** ## Wow — This Looks Amazing!! 🎉

You've made incredible progress! Beautiful re-routed traces in blue, copper fill zone working, cloud and lightbulb art visible, all components placed and connected, artistic organic routing!

### The Edge.Cuts Issue

The copper fill is flooding the entire board because the Edge.Cuts boundary isn't closed.

### Fix in Inkscape

Run **DRC** first — it will show you the exact coordinates of the gap!

---

## Turn 44

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — copper fill flooding entire board)*

![Screenshot 1:18 AM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-25_at_1_18_53_AM.png)

**Claude:** ## Edge.Cuts Must Be a Closed Shape for Copper Fill

Run DRC: **Inspect → Design Rules Checker → Run DRC**

It will report **"Board outline is not closed"** with the location of any gaps.

---

## Turn 45

**Dorian:** I am using coreldraw, and kicad only lets me import pngs

**Claude:** ## KiCad Doesn't Import PNG — It Needs SVG or DXF

### Option 1: Export DXF from CorelDraw (Best for KiCad)
1. Select your cloud outline path
2. **File → Export** (Ctrl+E)
3. File type: **DXF** or **DWG**
4. In KiCad: **File → Import → Graphics** → set layer to **Edge.Cuts**

### Option 2: Export SVG from CorelDraw
1. **File → Save As**
2. File type: **SVG**

### Important in CorelDraw Before Exporting
- Select path → **Object → Combine** (Ctrl+L) if it's multiple pieces
- Check it's closed: **Object → Close Path**

---

## Turn 46

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot showing CorelDraw context menu)*

![Screenshot 2:00 AM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-25_at_2_00_11_AM.png)

**Claude:** ## You're Already Ahead! 🎉

You already have the cloud SVG imported and visible in KiCad! The cloud outline is sitting there in the background.

It looks like the path has two open endpoints. In CorelDraw with Shape Tool (F10):
- Select all nodes (Ctrl+A)
- Click the **"Close Curve"** button in the top toolbar

---

## Turn 47

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — CorelDraw node editor showing open path)*

![Screenshot 2:02 AM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-25_at_2_02_23_AM.png)

**Claude:** ## It's F.Cu Layer 0 — And It Has a Net (D3)!

The path is **NOT closed** — the cloud bumps on the top left connect to a straight line going right, and a rectangle on the right side. **The cloud and rectangle are two separate open paths!**

### Fix in CorelDraw

1. Select both objects with Shift+Click
2. **Object → Combine** (Ctrl+L)
3. With Shape Tool (F10), select all nodes (Ctrl+A)
4. Click **"Close Curve"** button or press **Ctrl+Shift+Z**

---

## Turn 48

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — full shape visible with two gaps)*

![Screenshot 2:04 AM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-25_at_2_04_05_AM.png)

**Claude:** ## Now I Can See the Full Shape!

This IS your intended design — cloud top-left, rectangular circuit area bottom-right, matching your original sketch! But there are **two gaps**:

1. **Top right** — where cloud meets rectangle's top edge
2. **Bottom left** — where cloud bottom meets rectangle's left edge

Zoom into each gap, select the two endpoint nodes, press **Ctrl+J** to join them.

---

## Turn 49

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — zoomed into junction showing two close nodes)*

![Screenshot 2:06 AM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-25_at_2_06_46_AM.png)

**Claude:** ## The Nodes Are Right There — Almost Joined!

Two white square nodes very close together at the junction. They're overlapping but **not joined**.

### Fix It Right Now

1. With Shape Tool (F10) active
2. Click and drag a small selection box around **just those two white square nodes**
3. Press **Ctrl+J** to join them

---

## Turn 50

**Dorian:** *(shared screenshot — full shape visible in CorelDraw node editor)*

![Screenshot 2:11 AM](screenshots/Screenshot_2026-03-25_at_2_11_46_AM.png)

**Claude:** ## This Looks Great! The Shape Is Clear Now! 🎉

I can see the full board outline — cloud top-left, rectangle bottom-right. But I can still see **two gaps**:

1. **Top right** — where cloud meets rectangle's top edge
2. **Bottom left** — where cloud bottom meets the vertical line

With Shape Tool (F10):
- **Ctrl+A** to select all nodes
- Click **"Close Curve"** button to automatically close all open endpoints

Then export as **SVG or DXF** and import into KiCad on Edge.Cuts!

---

## Key Lessons Learned Throughout This Session

1. **KiCad scripting console is line-by-line** — use `exec()` with `\n` for loops, or save as a `.py` file and run with `exec(open('file.py').read())`
2. **Python scripts bypass the undo buffer** — ALWAYS save a backup before running any script: `board.Save('/path/to/backup.kicad_pcb')`
3. **Arc scaling requires SetMid()** — not just SetStart/SetEnd, and even then unreliable in KiCad 9
4. **PCB_SHAPE arcs vs PCB_ARC tracks** are different object types requiring different approaches
5. **Layer 25 = Edge.Cuts** in KiCad 9 (not layer 44 as in earlier versions)
6. **Polygon outlines** need `GetPolyShape()` not `GetStart()`/`GetEnd()`
7. **Inkscape → Trace Bitmap → SVG → KiCad** is the best workflow for organic board outlines
8. **Artistic curves with nets assigned** are functional traces — behave differently from drawings
9. **Running scaling scripts twice causes double-scaling** — always verify state before running
10. **Delete curved art BEFORE scripting** — rebuild by hand after scaling is safer and faster
11. **Always run `import pcbnew`** at the start of every new scripting session
12. **CorelDraw exports DXF** — KiCad imports DXF cleanly for Edge.Cuts
13. **Edge.Cuts must be a single closed path** for copper fill zones to work correctly
14. **Footprint pad sizes must NOT be scaled** — only positions should change

---

## Carvera Milling Specifications (Reference)

| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Min trace width | 0.4mm (1/64" bit) |
| Min clearance | 0.4mm |
| Min drill size | 0.8mm |
| Edge clearance | 1.0mm |

---

*Fab Academy Week 06 — Electronics Design*
*Dorian Fritze | March 24–25, 2026*
