KiCad "Footprint not found in libraries" DRC warning
KiCad design rule check (PCB) message: Footprint not found in libraries (lib_footprint_issues in kicad-cli reports).
What it means
This warning comes from the library check: the footprint's library nickname is not in your footprint library table, or the footprint has been renamed or removed. The board still holds its own copy of every footprint, so this does not change the copper. It matters when you want to update footprints from the library.
Common causes
- A project shared without its project-specific libraries or fp-lib-table.
- A library nickname that differs between computers.
- A footprint renamed in the library after placement.
How to fix it
- Add the library under Preferences → Manage Footprint Libraries (project-specific tab for project libraries).
- Ship a project fp-lib-table with the project and keep libraries next to it.
- If you never update footprints from the library, lower this check's severity.
When it is safe to ignore
Usually harmless for fabrication. When you upload to an online checker without your libraries, expect many of these; they say nothing about the copper.
Where the setting lives
Board Setup → Violation Severity → Footprint not found in libraries.
Find every “Footprint not found in libraries” on your board
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Check my KiCad projectRelated KiCad DRC checks
- Footprint doesn't match copy in library (
lib_footprint_mismatch) - Missing footprint (
missing_footprint)
Checked against KiCad 10's source and documentation. Last reviewed 2026-11-07.
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