.
After spending couple of hours with KiCad,
I feel that a bigger improvement can result
from completing some basic features
rather than from adding any new ones.
Here are some items I've noticed so far.
* EESchema:
* "Drag Wire" is badly needed;
the existing "Drag Block" is a poor substitute;
wire directions should be preserved.
* Currently a single component can be dragged,
but the procedure is complex and error prone;
wire directions should be preserved.
* All commands in "Other Block commands" (or at least "Drag Block")
should be directly accessible.
* A much better use of the keyboard is desirable.
* Pcbnew:
* "Drag Segment" is badly needed;
segment connections and directions should be preserved.
* At least a single-level "Undo" is badly needed.
* Total track length should be displayed in the status bar;
this is important for delay matching, differential lines, etc.
* Coordinate fields ih the status bar should be wider;
up to 4 characters may be missing in my case.
* Cursor coordinates must not change when zooming in or out.
* "Blind" changes (move, delete, etc) to invisible layers are
dangerous.
* Automatic Redraw is desirable at many places,
especially after completing following commands:
* Clean tracks
* Move/Drag/Delete node/track/block/etc.
* A much better use of the keyboard is desirable.
* In "Colors" dialog provide separate on/off buttons for each
column.
* "Track 45 Only", when active, should apply to both track drawing
and dragging.
* Online DRC should give a live indication of conflict while the
track is being moved, and not only when an attempt is made to
place it.
* There are two Ratnest controls (button in the left toolbar, and
checkbox in "Colors" dialog) which do not act consistently.
Either they should represent the same setting, and produce
the same result, or they should be completely independent
of each other.
* With partially routed nets, airwires should represent missing
sections, and not the entire span, which is next to useless.
Regards,
Sinisa
