Component Library

# Built-in Components

ProtoFlow ships with a curated library of commonly used electronic components. These are available instantly without any network connection.

Quick-Place Shortcuts

The most frequently used components have dedicated keyboard shortcuts for instant placement:

Component Categories

Auto-Generated Reference Designators

Every component placed on the schematic is automatically assigned a unique reference designator following standard conventions:

• R1, R2, R3... for resistors
• C1, C2, C3... for capacitors
• U1, U2, U3... for integrated circuits
• J1, J2, J3... for connectors

# LCSC Search & Import

Search the entire LCSC component catalog directly from within ProtoFlow. Find real components with pricing, availability, and datasheets — then import them into your schematic with a single click.

How to Search

1. Open the Component Library panel from the activity bar
2. Switch to the Online tab at the top of the panel
3. Type your search query (e.g., "ATmega328P", "100nF capacitor", "USB-C connector")
4. Browse results showing part number, manufacturer, pricing, and stock status
5. Click a result to view full details or drag it directly onto your schematic

Component Details

Each LCSC search result includes:

• Part number & manufacturer — Full component identification
• Price tiers — Volume-based pricing (1pc, 10pc, 100pc, etc.)
• Stock availability — Real-time stock count
• Component images — Package photos and drawings
• Datasheet links — Direct links to manufacturer datasheets
• LCSC product link — Link to the full LCSC product page

# Drag & Drop Placement

The fastest way to add components to your schematic is by dragging them directly from the Component Library panel onto the canvas.

How It Works

1. Browse or search for a component in the library panel
2. Click and hold on the component
3. Drag it onto the schematic canvas
4. Release to place it — it will snap to the nearest grid intersection
5. The component is automatically assigned a reference designator

File Drag & Drop

You can also drag and drop schematic files directly from your file system into ProtoFlow to import them. Supported formats include KiCad .kicad_sch files and ProtoFlow native files.

# Component Properties

Every component has editable properties that you can modify through the Property Editor panel.

Editable Properties

• Reference Designator — The component's unique identifier (e.g., R1, C1, U1)
• Value — The component value (e.g., 10kΩ, 100nF, ATmega328P)
• Position — X and Y coordinates on the canvas
• Rotation — Orientation in 90-degree increments (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°)
• Mirror — Horizontal flip state
• Custom fields — Additional properties like manufacturer, part number, footprint

To edit properties, select a component on the canvas and the Property Editor panel will automatically display its editable fields. Changes are applied in real-time.

# Custom Components

Create your own component symbols and add them to your local library for reuse across projects.

• Use the Symbol Editor to create custom symbols with pins, shapes, and labels
• Import components from KiCad symbol libraries
• Convert EasyEDA components to KiCad format and import them
• Custom components appear in the "Local" tab of the Component Library
• All custom components include proper pin mappings and footprint references

Importing from KiCad

ProtoFlow includes a multi-file import dialog that supports KiCad symbol libraries (.kicad_sym). The import process resolves footprints, preserves all component properties, and organizes imported components in your local library.