Any way to update all symbols and footprints from the libraries? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PicoSD
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 04:16:53 pm
content: This is trivially easy in Altium...All I want to do is update all schematic symbols and footprints to the latest in the libraries. I'm using no vault components.As of right now, I have to go through every part in the library, while all the SCH and PCB files are open, then click "update schematics" or "update PCB" for every. single. component.On a big design, this is an absolute nightmare. Please tell me there's an easier way??

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 05:10:05 pm
content: View > LibraryFor PCB:Right click in list of components > Update PCB With AllFor SCH:I'm not sure. Try:Right click in list of components > Select All > Update Schematic Sheets?

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 10:54:35 pm
content: Quote from: voltsandjolts on May 02, 2017, 05:10:05 pmIn CircuitStudio ? Where? There is only "Refresh library" on right click.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 04:22:15 pm
content: Thanks!!

author: danielottosen
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 28, 2019, 12:57:12 pm
content: Quote from: 2N3055 on May 02, 2017, 10:54:35 pmWarning!! For the schematics symbols, this will reset ALL your components' parameters with the default ones you that is in the symbol - Not only the ones you've changed, ALL!. This is insanely stupid and I havent found a workaround for it yet. There are various posts on the forum on Element14 but neither Altium nor Element 14 seems to care to fix it.

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 02, 2019, 11:52:53 am
content: I presume you are placing a component on your schematics and then editing that component properties, e.g. comment set to 4K7 or 100nF etc.If you work that way, then update from libraries you lose those comment values you entered, and any other new fields you entered for the component (i.e. when double-clicking component in the schematic).One workaround for this might be to create a library from your schematic components by drag/drop them into a new SCHLIB although I have not tried that.IMHO there is a better way to create schematics:Each component in a SCHLIB library should be unique, it is one orderable part.One component for every resistor value, every capacitor value etc.It takes more work up front but becomes a joy later when you have a reasonable library of 'jelly-bean' parts, create some new parts for each job, drop them on your schematic and your parts list is done automatically.Make any changes in the library version of the component (NOT on the schematic) and then update the schematic part from the library.For example:My library of common Yageo 805 and 603 caps / resistors which all have Farnell and Digi-Key order codes:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/altium/altium-standard-resistors-capacitors-and-inductors/msg840139/#msg840139

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2019, 12:28:07 pm
content: Agreed, Altium library parts should be unique parts and include the value/voltage/tolerance of each part etcI stop short of assigning digikey/mouser numbers in Altium part libraries though.It's better to use your own part numbering system.This way you can externally match many manufacture part numbers that are all compatible to one 0805 1% 1k resistor in your Altium library.You also only have to change things in one place if a part goes EOL and you need to replace it.Changing a spreadsheet to move all your resistors from Yageo to Vishey codes is much easier than changing 100's of Altium parts.If you really want to you can add a macro/lookup to your Altium excel BOM to pull in the part numbers for each line item from your other excel file. (the one that matches your part numbers to manufacture part numbers).

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 02, 2019, 10:37:21 pm
content: Hmmm, OK, I like the idea of using you own PNs in Altium.Too late for me now though...

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 05, 2019, 08:18:32 am
content: I gave this some thought and decided that I actually do like supplier PNs in the Altium libraries.It provides live data from suppliers, along with cost breakpoints and production ready BOMs.You still have the option of using and altering a BOM outside CS/Altium as Psi suggested, either manually or by automatic substitution of PNs in a spreadsheet.