Extraction

One of the common steps of the PCBmodE workflow is extracting information from the SVG and storing it in primary JSON files.

The following will be extracted from the SVG:

  • Routing shapes and location
  • Vias’ location
  • Components’ location and rotation
  • Documentation elements’ location
  • Drill index location

That’s it.

Note

It’s quite likely that more information will be extracted in the future to make the design process require fewer steps. Architecturally, however, the use of a GUI is meant only to assist the textual design process, not replace it.

Other information needs to be entered manually with a text editor. A great tool in this process is Inkscape’s built-in XML editor (open with SHIFT+CTRL+X) which allows you to see the path definition of shape (the d property) and copy it over to the JSON file.

Tip

Since some shapes (pours, silkscreen, etc.) are not extracted, it’s sometimes a bit of a guesswork to get the location just right. To do that in a single iteration, use the XML editor to change the transform of the shape (press CTRL+ENTER to apply) until the position is right. Then copy over the coordinates for that shape to the JSON file. Note that Inkscape inverts the y-axis coordinate, so when entering it into the JSON invert it back.