KiCAD SVG export for paste stencil

HOWTO/laser-solder-paste-stencil-inkscape.md

@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 # HOWTO make SMT Stencils with LASER
 
-This documents how to make solder paste stencils with a LASER.
+This documents how to make solder paste stencils with a LASER
+using Inkscape. This is the preferred method over using FlatCAM,
+for now.
 
 ## Equipment Used
 
@@ -38,71 +40,39 @@ Do thusly:
 
 * Click on "PCB Layout Editor" icon.
 
-* Go to `File` --> `Plot...`.
-
-* `Plot Format`: `Gerber`.
+* `File` --> `Export` --> `SVG...`.
 
 * `Output directory`: Where you would like the output file to go.
 
-* `Included Layers`: Include the one layer you want to create a stencil for.
-Example: `F.Paste` for the front solder paste layer or `B.Paste` for the
-back solder paste layer.
-
-* Under `General Options`:
-
-* `Plot Border and title block`: Unchecked.
-
-* `Plot footprint values`: Unchecked.
-
-* `Plot footprint references`: Unchecked.
-
-* `Force plotting of invisilble values / refs`: Unchecked.
-
-* `Exclude PCB edge layer from other layers`: Checked.
-
-* `Exclude pads from silkscreen`: Unchecked. XXX confirm.
+* Under `Layers:`
 
-* `Do not tent vias`: Unchecked.
+* Under `Copper Layers:` Uncheck all.
 
-* `Use auxiliary axis as origin`: Unchecked. XXX confirm.
-
-* `Drill marks`: `None`.
-
-* `Scaling`: `1:1`.
-
-* `Plot mode`: `Filled`
-
-* `Default line width`: `0.1 mm`. XXX confirm.
-
-* `Check zone fills before plotting`: Checked.
+* Under `Technical Layers:`
+Include the one layer you want to create a stencil for.
+Example: `F.Paste` for the front solder paste layer or `B.Paste` for the
+back solder paste layer.
 
-* Under `Gerber Options`:
+* Under `Options:`
 
-* `Use Protel filename extensions`: Unchecked.
+* `Default Pen Size`: `0.05 mm`. XXX confirm.
 
-* `Generate Gerber job file`: Unchecked.
+* `Print Mode`: `Black and white`.
 
-* `Subtract soldermask from silkscreen`: Unchecked.
+* `SVG Page Size`: `Board area only`.
 
-* `Coordinate format`: `4.6, unit mm`. XXX confirm.
+* `Print Board Edges`: Unchecked.
 
-* `Use extended X2 format`: Unchecked.
+* `Print mirrored`: Unchecked.
 
-* `Include netlist attributes`: Unchecked.
+* `Pagination`: `One file per layer`.
 
 * Under `Output Messages` show debug as you like. You can `Save...`
 the file if you want, but it isn't needed. Useful just for debugging.
 
-* `Run DRC...` button: Don't run this.
-
-* `Generate Drill Files...` button: Don't run this.
-
-* Now that everything is set up, hit the `Plot` button. This
+* Now that everything is set up, hit the `Export` button. This
 will export a file to the `Output directory` specified above.
 
-* If it says: `Zone fills are out of date. Refill?`, click
-`Refill`.
-
 * After `Plot`, hit the `Close` button.
 
 * Exit KiCAD: `File` --> `Exit`.