Workspace and shortcuts
The stable 1.4.1 editor keeps the current tool, target layers and live preview together. Its controls differ from the unreleased 1.5 editor; use the version shown in the app header when comparing instructions.
Read the window from top to bottom
Section titled “Read the window from top to bottom”| Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Header | Version, Settings, and Need help? |
| Main family tabs | Labels and Codes |
| Tool tabs | Standard label, Header Overlay, Component Callout, Component Array, QR Code or Barcode |
| Profile bar | The active profile, Load…, Save… and profile help |
| Place artwork on | One or more target layers that will receive geometry |
| Left section navigation | Basics, Container, Typography and tool-specific advanced controls |
| Live preview | Generated artwork for the selected preview layer |
| Footer | Validation/status feedback, Cancel and Place/Update action |
Switching a tool changes the form to that artwork type. A saved profile belongs to a tool/module; it is not a replacement for a placed footprint. See profiles for saving a repeatable style.
Work with the preview
Section titled “Work with the preview”- Use Fit after a substantial content or size change to bring the complete item into view.
- Use + and − to inspect fine detail. Preview navigation changes your view, not the artwork’s physical dimensions.
- Inspect every enabled Preview layer, especially when both front and back targets are enabled.
- Dashed guides indicate editing or clearance information. Compare the finished board output to distinguish guides from generated material.
- If the preview reports an error, correct the source value before placing. An older visible drawing is not proof that your latest input is valid.
Bottom-layer previews are shown as a front-view mirror. Check the final board from the correct side in KiCad’s 3D Viewer before deciding that a back label needs to be manually mirrored.
Measurements and units
Section titled “Measurements and units”Open Settings → General → Measurement display to switch between Millimetres (mm) and Mils (mil). One mil is 0.001 inch, or 0.0254 mm. Changing display units preserves physical geometry; internal dimensions remain in millimetres.
Read the unit next to a field before entering a value. A text height, header pitch, container padding and barcode module width all describe different dimensions. The settings reference explains those distinctions.
Keyboard and placement
Section titled “Keyboard and placement”| Action | Control |
|---|---|
| Place the current valid artwork | Place artwork |
| Keyboard placement | Ctrl + Enter or Shift + Enter |
| Close without applying the current form | Cancel |
| Reopen saved artwork | Select one Kobee footprint in KiCad, then launch the plugin |
| Restore a useful preview framing | Fit |
The action may be labelled for an update when you are editing an existing item. After creating new artwork, finish placement in PCB Editor. Save the board there; a preview is not a saved board change.
Appearance and window size
Section titled “Appearance and window size”Settings → General → Appearance offers Follow system, Light and Dark. Appearance changes apply when the editor is next opened. Close and reopen the editor to compare themes consistently.
The left settings region can scroll independently of the preview. If a control appears missing, check the selected section and scroll the form before enlarging the window. On compact displays, finish one section at a time rather than trying to expose every control at once.
Where Help goes
Section titled “Where Help goes”The stable release’s Need help? button opens kobee.com.au/tutorials/kobee-studio-docs. This manual is also available at coreybusuttil.com/kobeestudio/docs/. The stable binary’s embedded link is part of that released app; publishing this website does not change the binary.