KB: Importing component placement from one PCB to another

Solution Details

Altium Designer offers several approaches to transfer component placement between PCBs. Below are the most commonly used methods:

1. Position Components Using Pick & Place File

You can export a Pick & Place file from the source PCB and use it to position components in the target PCB.

• Steps:
  • Export the Pick & Place file from the source PCB.
  • In the target PCB, go to Tools » Component Placement » Place From File.
  • Load the Pick & Place file to replicate the component positions.
• Position Components using Pick-and-place File

2. IDF Import/Export

Using IDF (Intermediate Data Format) files, you can transfer mechanical and placement data between PCBs.

• Steps:
  • Export an IDF file from the source PCB.
  • Import the IDF file into the target PCB using Altium’s mechanical data import tools.
• IDF Files Import-Export Support

3. Design Reuse Blocks

Create Design Snippets or Reuse Blocks from the source PCB and place them into the target PCB.

• Benefits:
  • Ideal for modular designs.
  • Maintains consistency and reduces design time.
• Design Reuse
• Working with Reuse Blocks & Snippets

4. Using PCB List Panel

The PCB List Panel allows manual editing of component properties such as X/Y coordinates, rotation, and layer.

• Steps:
  • Copy component data from the PCB List Panel of the source PCB.
  • Paste and edit the data in the target PCB using the PCB List Panel.
• List Panels

5. Simple Copy/Paste of Components

You can manually copy components from one PCB and paste them into another using a consistent reference point.

Conclusion

Altium Designer provides flexible options for importing component placement between PCBs. Depending on your workflow and design complexity, you can choose between automated file-based methods or manual editing tools.