Now you’ll turn the schematic into a physical circuit board.
1. Update the PCB from your schematic
In the PCB Editor, click Tools → Update PCB from Schematic. All your components will appear in a bundle — you’ll drag them into position.
2. Flip the XIAO to the back
Right-click the XIAO footprint and select Flip (or press F). The XIAO gets soldered to the bottom of the board so the USB-C port is accessible from the side.
3. Arrange your components
Drag components into their final positions. Key spacing for MX switches is 19.05mm center-to-center — this is the universal standard.
4. Route the traces
Press X to start routing traces (the copper connections between pads). Route on the F.Cu (front copper) layer. If two traces need to cross, switch one to B.Cu (back copper) using a via.
5. Draw the board outline
Switch to the Edge.Cuts layer and draw a rectangle (or any shape) around your components. This defines the physical edge of your board.
Use the Measure tool to verify your board fits within the 100mm × 100mm limit.
6. Clean up and check
- Run Tools → Cleanup Tracks & Vias — click “Build changes” twice to apply.
- Run Inspect → Design Rules Check to catch any errors (unconnected pins, traces too close together, etc.).
- Open the 3D Viewer (View → 3D Viewer) to see a preview of your finished board.
7. Export Gerber files
Gerber files are what the PCB manufacturer (JLCPCB) uses to fabricate your board.
- Go to File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerbers.
- Use the default settings and click Plot.
- Then click Generate Drill Files to create the drill file.
- Zip all the generated files into a single
gerbers.zip.
