Parts in Eagle are stored in library files with a .lbr extension. Creating these parts from scratch to populate a library can be a time consuming process. It's possible to extract parts from existing PCB files for re-use or importing into your own libraries.
For example, let's say you have a custom board you are working on and plan to use the LIS3DH accelerometer. There's one of those on the Circuit Playground Express. Here's how you can can extract the LIS3DH Eagle part from the Circuit Playground Express PCB files.
This will bring up the Export dialog.
In the Path: window, provide a location for the libraries to be extracted to.
Now sit back and relax. Another window will open and stuff will happen while the export runs. This can take several minutes depending on how many parts are being exported.
You can continue to view and edit the library, or just close this window. The library file should be created in the location you specified earlier. The file will have an .lbr extension.
To access the library, it should be located in one of your Eagle Library directory locations. To check from the Control Panel:
Options->Directories
It also needs to be "enabled" for use in the Control Panel.
Importing Parts
You can use parts directly from the library file created via the export script. Or you can import specific parts into your own library files. In Eagle, there are several items associated with a part:
- Device - Footprint + Symbol
- Symbol - used on schematic
- Footprint - used on board
To import a part, first make sure the library is located in an Eagle Library directory and is set to Use.
You can either import the entire part (device) or just the footprint/symbol.
Most likely, you want to Add Device.
Page last edited March 08, 2024
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