Mimetypes for Kicad

[leoheck]

These are the mimetypes for Kicad projects. Any changes will be much better. The equivalent circle issue is here.

Here are the icons and their mimetypes:

By the way, the default kicad numix icon is pretty different than the original. I think it should have some elements that match with the original.

• [ ] application/x-kicad-project :star:
• [ ] application/x-eeschema-schematic :star:
• [ ] application/x-pcbnew-pcb :star:
• [ ] application/x-pcbcalculator-project
• [ ] application/x-bitmap2component-project
• [ ] application/x-gerbview-project
• [ ] application/x-cvpcb-project

[palob]

Hmm, so far the onlydraft halfway resembling anything electronics-like is this:

[Foggalong]

Yeah, these mimetypes are going to be tricky to solve.

[leoheck]

Tricky in which sense?

[palob]

In terms of getting things like visual recognisability, symbol metaphor, pixel alignment and symbol size right.

[leoheck]

Ah, ok. I agree :)

[leoheck]

This is a simple project. Actually, the first three of the list are the most important to have. The others are in the .desktop files but I don't know if they are used.

[Jacajack]

@leoheck Alright, we're done with application icons (https://github.com/numixproject/numix-core/pull/3424). :tada: As I told you before, I can help you with mimetype icons too. Currently I have much work to do, but I think we could start in ~~ ~2 weeks~~ few days. :)

[leoheck]

Very good I already saw the new kicad icons today!!

[Jacajack]

I made a really quick draft of icon that can be used for x-pcbnew-pcb mimetype. I think we should head in that direction.

The track itself probably should be thinner and connect more than 2 pads (to make icon look more interesting). Or maybe there should be two of them? I''m waiting for your ideas :)

@Foggalong, could you give me some basic guidelines for this type of icons, before I start, please? I don't see any wiki connected with this repository, that's why I'm asking.

[palob]

@Jacajack I'd probably mirror that design so that you can shift it up 1px or so and the icon looks less right-heavy.

As for guidelines, the symbols should be monochrome (pure white if white) and aligned to the pixel grid. You can use existing icons for orientation in terms of symbol size. You don't need to use the same design for each size, maybe a simpler one works better on smaller sizes.

If you are going to use text labels they're only present on 32px and above, the font is Ubuntu Mono (converted to paths).

I usually begin with the 16px icon since it's most tricky to get right.

[Jacajack]

Yeah, that looks better. I'll try to adjust pads size and track width, to make it look lighter.

.

Thanks for the information. I can see that background color somewhat depends on file type (video, music, etc.). Is orange suitable here?

[palob]

Maybe that greenish-brownish-orangy colour of printed circuit boards?

[Jacajack]

Sounds good. What about schematic, and Kicad project mimetype then?

[palob]

Since all mimetypes are for one application / for electrical engineering files I'd probably use one colout for all. Unless there is a strong colour indication in Kicad.