KB: Large Component Selection Bounding Box

Solution Details

Problem Description

A particular component is getting selected with a large bounding box in PCB Editor, making it difficult to work with or align accurately.

Why Does the Bounding Box Expand?

When selecting components, the bounding box includes all geometries detected on the Courtyard layer type, Silkscreen, 3D body objects, and Copper layers. If any graphical object is placed away from the component center, the bounding box expands to include it. This often happens when:

• A graphical object (e.g., track or arc) was accidentally placed far from the footprint center during footprint creation.
• Component primitives were unlocked in the PCB and moved unintentionally.

Available Solutions

There are two main solutions:

• Solution 1: Update the footprint from the library or delete the footprint in the PCB and place a new one from the library.
• Solution 2: Open the problematic footprint in the PCB library and remove any misplaced objects.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Solution 1: Replace the Footprint

1. Update the footprint from the library using Tools » Update PCB from Library.
2. Alternatively, delete the footprint in the PCB and place a new footprint from the library.

Solution 2: Remove Misplaced Objects

1. Open the problematic footprint in the PCB library.
2. Go to Edit » Select » Outside Area.
3. Draw a rectangle around the footprint objects. This will highlight any objects placed away from the footprint center.
4. Delete the highlighted object(s).
5. If the object is hidden and not visible:
   • Open the Properties Panel and check if any object is selected.
   • Use the PCB List Panel to view selected objects.
   • Press the Delete key to remove them.
6. Update the PCB with the corrected footprint.

Additional Notes

• Always lock component primitives to avoid accidental movement in the PCB.
• Use design rule checks to ensure footprint integrity before placement.

Related Documentation

• Component Selection Bounding Box