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    Tutorial · Give It A Go session

    Design a light-up PCB keychain

    Simulate an LED circuit in TinkerCAD, move it into KiCad and route a board you can send off for manufacturing.

    Beginner About 60 minutes

    Updated 29 Aug 2025

    Before you start

    • A laptop with KiCad installed

    Using TinkerCAD and KiCad

    Step 1: Set Up TinkerCAD

    • Visit TinkerCAD.com
    • Log in or create an account
    • Navigate to “Circuits”
    • Click “Create New Circuit”
    Creating a new account and circuit project
    Figure 1: Creating a new account and circuit project in TinkerCAD.

    Step 2: Create Your Circuit

    • Use the component menu to add:
      • LEDs
      • Resistors
      • Power source (e.g., battery)
    • Connect them using wires
    • Click “Start Simulation” to test
    Creating a new LED circuit
    Figure 2: Creating a new LED circuit in TinkerCAD.

    Step 3: Export Your Design

    • Click “Export”
    • Select .BRD (Eagle Board File)
    • Save it to your device
    Exporting .BRD for KiCAD
    Figure 3: Exporting your circuit as a .BRD file for KiCAD.

    Step 4: Import into KiCad

    • Open KiCad (ask for help if not installed)
    • Go to File > Import Non-KiCad Project
    • Select your .BRD file
    • Choose Auto-Match Layers
    KiCAD setup
    Figure 4: Setting up your project in KiCAD.

    Step 5: Clean and Arrange

    • Use the PCB editor to:
      • Reposition components
      • Start routing tracks
    Optimising the circuit layout
    Figure 5: Optimising the circuit layout in KiCAD.

    Step 6: Route Your PCB

    • Use routing tools (right panel)
    • Press:
      • V to invert track layer
      • F to flip components
    • Ensure tracks don’t overlap
    Routing trace lines for the circuit
    Figure 6: Routing trace lines for the circuit.

    Step 6.1: Preview in 3D

    • Use KiCad’s 3D viewer to inspect your board
    • Look for spacing and design issues
    A 3D view of the circuit for final checks
    Figure 7: A 3D view of the circuit for final checks.

    Step 7: Prepare for Printing

    • Go to File > Plot > Generate Drill Files
    • Save all output files
    • Check for .gbrjob file
    • Zip the folder
    • Email the zipped files to us
    Saving drill files for final submission
    Figure 8: Saving drill files for final submission.

    Bonus: Make it Yours!

    • Add:
      • Custom shapes
      • Initials
      • Fun artwork or labels

    🎉 Congrats!

    You’ve created your own LED keychain PCB from scratch!
    Keep experimenting and making cool electronics!

    Spotted a mistake? Edit this page on GitHub ↗