Library Panel - Default Footprints

When you place a part from the Libraries Panel if the part has multiple footprints listed in the database, then the default footprint in the design will be determined by the footprint assigned to Footprint Ref.

For example if the backend database has three footprint choices:

Footprint Ref        is   CAPC1005X55L (least)

Footprint Ref 2     is   CAPC1005X55N (nominal)

Footprint Ref 3     is   0402_RND (custom)

In the Library Panel these footprints are listed in alphabetical order with check mark applied to the default footprint.

Here is the database view using Parts Frontend

Note as shown in the Libraries Panel CAPC1005X55L is the default, because it is assigned to Footprint Ref.

Tips:

1) Prior to placing a part you can select the desired footprint the Libraries Panel..

2) After placement you add more footprints to a component if desired.

3) After placement use Tools > Footprint Manager to organize and select preferred footprints in the schematic, then update the PCB with the changes.

 4) If you only have access to the *.PCBdoc then use Find Similiar > PCB Inspector to select and change the footprints.

Moving and Sharing Parts

When the Parts download is unzipped the Frontend and Backend files are extracted to the same folder for ease of installation and quick evaluation.

By design the Parts database is portable and can be moved to another drive location.

To share the database with other users the Backend would be placed on a network drive and copies of the Frontend would be placed on each user's local machine.

If desired independent contractors (single users) can keep both the Frontend and Backend on their computer or laptop on a local drive.

Note the folder structure is important !

After moving the Backend Files you will need to link the Frontend and Backend.

Use the Frontend application 'Configuration' button to connect to the Parts database.

The Footprints and Symbols are stored in folders relative to the Database and DBLIB.

Set the Working Folder to point to the Footprints and Symbols Parent folder.

Set the Datasheets Folder to point to the Datasheets folder.

Edit and Install DBLIB Library

After moving the backend database in Altium you may need to edit the *.DBLib file.

For portability check the 'Store Path Relative to Database Library'. 

That's it !