Notes on converting to KiCad

README.md

@@ -20,9 +20,42 @@ Perhaps, round one:
 
 Round two:
 
-* Port board to KiCAD.
+* Port board to KiCad.
 * Submit new design to ProtoExpress.
 
+# Altium to KiCad
+The upstream files for this project are created in the proprietary Altium
+application. The files are being converted to KiCad, which is free software.
+
+* Import schematics with standalone `eeschema`. `*.kicad_pro` file is
+  automatically created.
+
+* Import `.PrjPcb` file with standalone `pcbnew`.
+
+* `Tools` --> `Harvest footprints to new library...`. Create the library,
+  containing all pcb footprints. XXX *Note: not in KiCad 6?*
+
+* Close everything, open `.kicad_pcb` files with text editor.
+
+* Replace all references of non-existing library names from Altium, to the new
+  library, created earlier.
+
+* Launch KiCad, open `.kicad_pro` file, created above by eeschema.
+
+* Start `pcbnew`, `Tools` --> `Update Schematic from pcb...`. This will set correct footprint assignments from PCB to schematics.
+
+* Save everything.
+
+* `Tools` --> `Update PCB from schematics...` as sanity check.
+
+
+The conversion process steps came from looking at issues, this KiCad
+thread, and trial and error.
+(Note: it still doesn't work perfect, and some of the steps above are
+no longer options.)
+
+* https://forum.kicad.info/t/work-in-progress-native-altium-importer/20712
+
 
 # Bill of Materials
 See the `BoM/` directory for the bill of materials spreadsheets.