Update PcbDoc From PcbLib

To update a PCB design from a PcbLib.

Open the *.PcbDoc and the *.PcbLib.

Select a Component in the PCB Library Pane, then Right Click to Update PCB with the selected component. 

Or Update the entire PCB with all of the footprints with the same name parts by selecting 'Update PCB with All'.



Typical scenario, you need to update a PCB design and you may not have access to the libraries from which the parts originated.

First create PcbLib from the PcbDoc: Menu >  Design > Make PCB Library

Modify the footprints as need then update the PcbDoc from the PcbLib following the steps described above.

Note that the PCB will be immediately updated without going through an ECO and a Report is not generated. 

DRC - Net Antennae - Paste in Hole

Paste in Hole Library (PIH) Solution.

Pad track extensions will be flagged during DRC checks as Net Antennae Violations.

One solution is to use Fills instead of Tracks to create the pad extensions.

3D Model View in Altium

One step model for the shield fence was used in this design, all other parts are extruded 3D body objects.



Miniature 2.4GHz Transceiver PCB designed by Randy Clemmons CID+.

No additional CAD tools are needed to create the extruded bodies other than Altium.

In Altium exporting a 3D Step Model of your PCB is as simple as saving a file.

As shown above you can make very realistic parts using extruded shapes. The Baluns, Caps, and Filters look very good considering they are 3D extruded body objects..

Video rendering in 3D is significantly faster if you minimize the number of linked step models and use extruded shapes in Altium.