If you’ve been following the series and want to actually build this — this is where to start. This complete beginner’s guide takes you from an empty KiCad 10 project to a real, orderable PCB. Step by step. Screenshots at every stage. No experience needed.

After this guide, you’ll be able to:

• Read and draw a schematic from scratch in KiCad
• Place components and route traces in the PCB editor
• Run a design rules check and understand what the results mean
• Export Gerber files — the manufacturing files every factory accepts
• Order your finished board from JLCPCB for under £5

What’s inside:

1. Setting up your KiCad 10 project
2. Drawing the schematic — components and connections
3. Assigning footprints — linking symbols to real-world parts
4. PCB layout — placing components on the board
5. Routing — drawing the copper connections
6. Design rules check — catching mistakes before ordering
7. Generating Gerber files — what the manufacturer needs
8. Ordering from JLCPCB — your first real PCB for £3.50

Project: 555 Timer LED blinker on a 2-layer board

All you need:

A computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux) KiCad 10, free at kicad.org No previous PCB design experience About £3.50 if you want to order your finished board

Questions before buying? DM me on Instagram, happy to answer anything.