
== Introduction to Pcbnew

[[initial-configuration]]
=== Initial configuration

When Pcbnew is run for the first time, if the global footprint table file `fp-lib-table` is not
found in the KiCad configuration folder then Pcbnew will ask how to create this file:

image::images/en/fp_lib_table_initial_setup.png[footprint library table initial setup dialog]

The first option is recommended (*Copy default global footprint library table
(recommended)*). The default footprint library table includes all of the
standard footprint libraries that are installed as part of KiCad.

If this option is disabled, KiCad was unable to find the default global
footprint library table. This probably means you did not install the standard
footprint libraries with KiCad, or they are not installed where KiCad expects to
find them. On some systems the KiCad libraries are installed as a separate package.

* If you have installed the standard KiCad footprint libraries and want to use
  them, but the first option is disabled, select the second option and browse to
  the `fp-lib-table` file in the directory where the KiCad libraries were
  installed.
* If you already have a custom footprint library table that you would like to use,
  select the second option and browse to your `fp-lib-table` file.
* If you want to construct a new footprint library table from scratch, select
  the third option.

Footprint library management is described in more detail xref:pcbnew_footprints_and_libraries.adoc#managing-footprint-libraries[later].

=== The Pcbnew user interface
:experimental:

image::images/pcbnew_user_interface.png[width=1000,scaledwidth=70%]

The main Pcbnew user interface is shown above, with some key elements indicated:

1. Top toolbars (file management, zoom tools, editing tools)
2. Left toolbar (display options)
3. Message panel and status bar
4. Right toolbar (drawing and design tools)
5. Appearance panel
6. Selection filter panel

=== Navigating the editing canvas

The editing canvas is a view onto the board being designed.  You can pan and zoom to different
areas of the board, and also flip the view to show the board from the bottom.

By default, dragging with the middle or right mouse button will pan the canvas view and scrolling
the mouse wheel will zoom the view in or out.  You can change this behavior in the Mouse and
Touchpad section of the preferences (see Configuration and Customization for details).

=== Hotkeys

NOTE: TODO: Write this section

The hotkeys described in this manual use the key labels that appear on a standard PC keyboard.
On an Apple keyboard layout, use the kbd:[Cmd] key in place of kbd:[Ctrl], and the kbd:[Option] key
in place of kbd:[Alt].

NOTE: Many of the actions available through hotkeys are also available in context menus.  To access
the context menu, right-click in the editing canvas.  Different actions will be available depending
on what is selected or what tool is active.
