EAGLE’S CONDENSED LIBRARY INSTRUCTIONS
WINDOWS 2000 EAGLE VERSION 4.15
I MODIFY LIBRARIES:
1. Eagle layout editor
 Eagle
 File
•
•
•
 Open
 Library (Select library to open from list)
 Select device to modify.
The “ i ”icon (information) in the upper left will tell you what library a component
is located in if your in the board program. If the library is opened, as indicated
above, you can use the “ i ” icon to examine the dimensions and properties of the
library package.
Once the package has been selected, use the change command (under wrench
icon) to change properties. Example: to change a drill hole size, from a 26 mil
diameter to a 32 mil diameter, select drill, then 32, then click on the drill hole you
want to change. Remember, you must pick one of the drill sizes we have (.0098,
.0180, .0236, .025, .032, .040, .047, .059, .065, .086, .118, .125 mil diameter
drill bits). In the same manor, if you want to change anything else, like pad
diameter, shape, etc., select desired diameter, shape, etc. under change (wrench
icon), and then click on the pad or trace you want to change. If a value you desire
is not listed under the various change menus you can simply type it in on the
provided tool bar space by typing: change width (desired value), change diameter
(desired diameter), etc. You can change all the drill sizes at once with the “update all” command under library, or you can use the group and change functions.
Simply group all pads to be changed, go to change drill and select desired value,
then RIGHT click inside the highlighted group.
It may be necessary to completely re-draw the library package. That can be done
with the change functions under the change (wrench icon) along with the draw
functions (line, circle, pads, etc.). You can use the cut and paste functions to copy
parts from other libraries (or same library) and then modify per above to meet
your desires. That is usually easier than completely re-drawing a component
package from scratch. Note that cut acts like copy in Eagle. Make sure all layers
are displayed, then group the object, or objects, to be copied with the group
command (dashed rectangular line icon). After grouping, select cut, then click on
the highlighted object with the RIGHT mouse button. That will put it into
memory. Go to the desired location and paste. You can paste it into a different
library if desired. You can zoom in on the origin, with the zoom function to
facilitate positioning the copied image, or you can type in the coordinates. Paste
(0, 0); (See page 54 of the manual for more detail). NOTE: (Extremely
important): When cutting and pasting parts from one library to another it is
extremely important to make sure the same grid size is used. Most standard
1
library packages are constructed on .1 inch or 100 mil centers with a 50 mil grid
size, but not all. Some parts, especially connectors, have odd spacings. You must
check the grid size (change grid to high resolution and examine with the cursor)
the part was constructed with and change to that grid size if modifying or copying
the package. Later when routing the board you will have to change to that grid
size when routing the traces going to that particular package. You can bring the
traces close to the package with the standard 50 mil spacing, then change grid to a
higher resolution (5 or 10 mils) to route the package.
•
Use “save as” to save to a library or folder of your choosing. Note that the
libraries on the server are write protected, so you can not change the original
library.
II CREATE NEW LIBRARIES:
1. Eagle layout editor:
Eagle
File
New
Library
Select package (looks like and IC symbol) if making
a new package for a board library. Select symbol or
device if making schematic libraries.
Name package (answer “yes” to create package
From pop Up menu), set grid to desired value, and
draw package. You can either draw the package
with the cursor origin cross in the center of your
package or at one corner. That is up to you. Label
with name (>NAME) and value (>VALUE) using
the text command. Using the description command
(under edit) name the package type. Example:
package may be named “14 dip” while description
may be named “dual in line package”. Save.
Note:
It is generally easier to cut and paste a package from another library (or same library) and
modify it rather than start a new design from scratch. Most construction in a library can
be done with the wire command (slash next to “T” icon). Circles and arcs can be made
by selecting the circle or arc icons. When drawing an arc, select the arc icon and drag to
desired position (use the right mouse button to change the arc direction). It may also be
necessary to use a smaller grid size to get the arcs to line up properly. Rectangles can be
place with the rectangle icon, and pads with the pad icon, etc. Make sure to change the
size and shape with the change (wrench icon) to the desired value you want. When
defining the automatic name and value commands, type in (>NAME) and (>VALUE)
with the text command, using a convenient text size, and place within the new package if
possible, otherwise close to the package so as to not interfere with other packages that
may later be placed on the board. Use large enough text so it is readable. JM 09/04
2
3