Frequently asked questions¶
How do I connect two net segments and why am I getting duplicate net name warnings?¶
Unlike the schematic editor of other tools, the one in Horizon EDA actually knows about nets and makes operations that change connectivity explicit to prevent unintended connectivity. Selecting anything from a net such as a net line or a net label opens the net in the property editor on the right side of the window. It’s important to stress that what’s in the property editor is the entire net and not just the net segment. That’s why changing the name there changes the name of the entire net and never modifies connectivity.
For reconnecting net segments, use the “Move net segment to other net” and “Move net segment to new net” tools.
See also This issue.
How do I do QR codes?¶
Using the QR code generator in Inkscape and the DXF import tool. Generating the QR codes requires some precautions however since the pixels in the QR code must not share edges for the “Line loop to polygon” tool to work properly.
To do so, first draw a rectangle 100×100 in size, units don’t matter and convert it to a path using the “Object to path” tool. Keep it selected. Then, invoke the QR code generator from Extensions → Render → Barcode → QR code, select “Clones” and generate the QR code. Once that’s done, select the initial rectangle and shrink it to 99×99. The QR code should now contain gaps. If everything’s right, export the document as a DXF.
Import this DXF in Horizon EDA and remove the surrounding rectangle. Finally, select the lines making up the QR code pixels and invoke the “Line loop to polygon” tool to turn the lines into filled polygons.
See also this question on the forum. Note that the description given there doesn’t work on more recent versions of Inkscape.
How do I add logos to my board?¶
First make sure that the logo is in a vector format such as SVG, PDF or EPS. If that’s not the case either try to obtain a vector version of the logo or trace it using Inkscape’s “Trace bitmap” tool.
Open the logo in Inkscape and convert it into a set of closed paths without holes that consist only of straight lines and no bezier curves.
Use the Path → Object to Path tool to convert everything into paths.
Remove any holes by either modifying the path or creating cut-ins with the Path → Difference tool.
Remove all curved edges with the Extensions → Modify Path → Flatten beziers tool. Adjust the flatness for a good compromise between quality and number of points.
Once that’s done, export the document as a DXF file.
Import that DXF into Horizon EDA with the “Import DXF” tool. Keep in mind that the scale or offset might be way off from what you need, so try zooming out if you’re not seeing anything. Right now, everything’s just a set of connected lines and not filled. Use the “Line loop to polygon” tool to convert the zero-width lines into filled polygons. Adjust the size to your need with the “Scale” tool.
If you want to reuse your Logo on multiple boards, consider putting it into a decal in a pool. Compared to packages, decals have the advantage that they can be scaled as needed and aren’t part of the netlist.