Net color problem

Making PCB Layouts, Manual routing, Auto-routing, Copper pouring, Updating from Schematic, Manufacturing Output
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AshotRezopeg
Posts: 2
Joined: 13 Oct 2025, 11:00

Net color problem

#1 Post by AshotRezopeg » 13 Oct 2025, 11:12

Version: 5.2.0.1

What am I doing:
1) created a schematic file with a colored GND global net
2) converted it to a PCB
3) in the schematic removed pin from GND and placed a resistor between it and GND
4) updated layout from schematic

Results:
Color has not changed from the original GND color and I have to specify it again for each pin.

And also if i change color of wire in the schematic, "update layout from schematic" did not changing color of the net in PCB file

Serg
Technical Support
Posts: 546
Joined: 09 Jun 2010, 12:12

Re: Net color problem

#2 Post by Serg » 16 Oct 2025, 14:13

There is a conflict between schematic and board settings. A long time ago, the following logic was chosen:
If a custom net color is set on the board, it always remains unchanged regardless of what comes from the schematic.
However, if it’s a layer color, the color from the schematic is used. Also, when a net is split during the schematic-to-board update,
both resulting nets inherit the properties of the original one when saving the board settings.
This is where all the described behavior comes from.

AshotRezopeg
Posts: 2
Joined: 13 Oct 2025, 11:00

Re: Net color problem

#3 Post by AshotRezopeg » 23 Oct 2025, 13:43

Can you add adjustable settings? I want to always import net color from schematic.
One checkbox in the settings will be helpful
thanks!

Serg
Technical Support
Posts: 546
Joined: 09 Jun 2010, 12:12

Re: Net color problem

#4 Post by Serg » 23 Oct 2025, 17:46

Yes, such an option could be universal and meet the requirements in most cases. I’ll add it to the list for the developer’s consideration.

LanceBriggs
Posts: 1
Joined: 10 Nov 2025, 03:36

Re: Net color problem

#5 Post by LanceBriggs » 10 Nov 2025, 03:37

In KiCad, net colors are visual-only schematic attributes — they are not part of the electrical net data that’s transferred to the PCB. When you perform “Update PCB from Schematic”, KiCad only updates electrical connectivity and net names, not visual settings like color, wire thickness, or label appearance.

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