KB: How to copy parts and pads from one PCB to another

Solution Details

The issue arises because the pads in question are Component Primitives, subject to a special level of protection, even when unlocked.

Here are the key points and solutions to address this behavior:  

1. Understanding Component Primitives:
    - Component primitives, such as pads, tracks, designators, and comments, cannot be copied individually to the clipboard as standalone entities.
    - These primitives must remain part of the component to be successfully copied and pasted.

2. Copying the Entire Component:
    - Select the entire component, which will include the associated primitives. Then, copy and paste the component, and the primitives will be carried over.  

3. Breaking Down Components:
    - If you want to copy and paste component primitives individually, you can explode the component into free primitives for individual editing and copying.
    - Right-click on the component and select Component Actions » Explode Components to Free Primitives.
    - Once exploded, you can copy and paste individual items.

4. Troubleshooting Selection Issues: 
   - For single-pad components or instances where selecting the component is challenging, enable the "Display Popup Selection Dialog".
    - Enable this option by navigating to PCB Editor » General in the Preferences.
    - When clicking in an area with overlapping objects (e.g., a single pad and a component), a selection popup will appear, allowing you to choose the component.

Applying these key points and solutions lets you easily copy and paste pads and components between PCBs.