# Generating STL file from KiCad

Making a projectbox with all the holes in the right place is quite a challenge.

Luckily for the makers that use **`KiCad`** as a PCB making tool there is a rescue!

### Tools needed

If not already done you first have to install the latest version of [FreeCAD](https://www.freecad.org/).\
Then you have to install the **`KiCadStepUp`** tool with the **`Addon Manager`**.

<figure><img src="/files/AdX9iFX68Iv2FsXtqHNQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Creating a STEP file with KiCad

Start the **`PCB Editor`**

<figure><img src="/files/bDUU7a595MYNDbD5mLUy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

From the **`File`** menu select **`Export -> STEP`**

<figure><img src="/files/AqXR3Z5W8TmQ7uYzGMrx" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In the popUp **`[Browse]`** to the map where you want to save the STEP file and click on **`[Export]`**.

<figure><img src="/files/PJ6UwEf7fabwFb4oXCbq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Start FreeCAD

<figure><img src="/files/FBEyV6YKrGjGTMWvCSiJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click on the select box ..

<figure><img src="/files/aqx0h4DOpTgtHSEKxpJw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

.. and select the **`KiCadStepUp`** tool

<figure><img src="/files/ZdtPtEOmtcpArow3BfmS" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Go to **`File->Open`** and select the STEP file from the KiCad Export

<figure><img src="/files/ko6dOAGGUH1QpAITRpgi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

.. and click on **`[Open]`**

<figure><img src="/files/4BvYtV9FU0dQ9WzAc6LY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After a while you see the result of this import

<figure><img src="/files/i8ubrs1BwYIn5zctJHlw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Now all you have to do is **`Export`** this file

<figure><img src="/files/8d1NYIjVmUqFUyGTzqeM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Select "**`STL Mesh`**" as type ..

<figure><img src="/files/iGvh07g1UISeYfWnO3wK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

.. and click on **`[Save]`**

The result is a nice STL file

<figure><img src="/files/ioHALJR77KoQx1ROe1QF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Use this STL file with the YAPPgenerator

Add the following code to the beginning of your **`.scad`** file:

```
myPcb = "./STL/DSMRloggerESP32_PCB.stl";

if (true)
{
  translate([42,43,4.6]) 
  {
    rotate([0,0,90]) color("darkgray") import(myPcb);
  }
}
```

**`myPcb`** has to point to the generated **`.stl`** file\
With **`translate()`** and **`rotate()`** you can place the **`.stl`** file to the exact location of your projectbox. This is a bit fiddling in the beginning but once set it does not change anymore.

<figure><img src="/files/x9M4WN56R30MWlPzwVE3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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