Adding a logo to PCB

[silviu.ghita]

Hi,

Fusion 360 newbie here.

I have an SVG logo that I want to add it to a PCB that I have designed - here's a PNG version:

Logo

I have the .ai version too, if it makes any difference.

I have converted it to DXF using an online conversion tool, and I have imported it using the import-dxf ULP (script?) targeting the layer #21 (tplace), and I ended up with a bunch of lines in the basic format of my logo, but without the black areas (just the outline):

How can I import/place my logo while preserving the original appearance (the filled areas).

[silviu.ghita · Accepted solution]

I have found a workaround:

1. Create a TTF font from your vector image(s).
   • There are a number of free tools available, I personally used the IcoMoon App, as it is free and works from a browser.
2. Install the TTF font on your system.
3. Open Fusion 360, and in the Preferences window navigate to General > Electronics page and uncheck the Always Vector Font option in the Misc panel.
4. IMPORTANT: restart Fusion 360 if it was open when the font was installed or if the Always Vector Font  option was not already unchecked in the preferences
5. Follow the steps outlined in the How to use custom fonts on PCBs with Fusion 360 video to place text on the PCB
   • Select your custom font and choose the needed glyph to add your graphic.
   • Resize and reposition as needed

Hope this helps.

[m_eckhard]

Hi @silviu.ghita,

that's a great workaround. Do you still use this? Because I tried it and unfortunately, it does not work for me. I installed the TTF font and I can even find it in Fusion - even the preview shows the correct symbol (an ESD susceptibility warning) - but I can't place it. It just shows a placeholder symbol:

@jorge_garcia is there any other way to this? I wonder how other people add symbols to their boards e.g. company logos or warning symbols. Does Fusion have a solution for this that I don't know of?

Best regards

[Evert_2N3055]

The easiest way to add a logo etc is using one of the bmp import ulp.

 

[constantin.popescuXD3CL]

Hi @m_eckhard,

This is still possible. I have just checked using latest Fusion. I have used a True Type Font that contains some of the logos taht are used most often in PCBA manufacturing. I have placed some True Type Text using this font, please see snapshot below:

I assume that you have already set the Font to custom.

Then I have generated ODB++ output and this is after loading the output data in Valor ODB++ Viewer:

May I ask if you did anything different than this and if not I would appreciate if you can send an example that I can try here. My email address is: constantin.popescu@autodesk.com

Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.

Kind Regards,

[m_eckhard]

@Evert_2N3055 It is a good way, however I came across difficulties once I gave the PCB to my manufacturer of choice. The problem is that the logo was translated to many thin lines with varying length. The width of those lines was too narrow for the manufacturer.

[m_eckhard]

Hi @constantin.popescuXD3CL,

thank you very much for your reply. I will test it next week!

[m_eckhard]

Hi @constantin.popescuXD3CL,

I tried it again but unfortunately it did not work. I even installed the same TTF as you (mooretronics). Below you can see that I set up everything like you did. The layer is a different one but it's the layer I use for my silkscreen. I also tested other layers without success. You can even see that the character map is recognized correctly. The output still remains as ASCII symbols though.

This made me think that it might be an issue with Windows - more specifically with the language and region packages (some time ago I had an issue with 3D models and this was the reason). So I installed the ones for USA (I`m from Germany). After restarting my PC for a couple of times I came to conclusion that this does not fix it.

Then I installed the TTF for all users with Admin rights. Again, it did not resolve the issue.

Now I'm pretty clueless and confused since I did not do anything differently but it still does not work for me. The correctly displayed character map only adds to the confusion.

I would appreciate further help in resolving this issue.

Best regards

[constantin.popescuXD3CL]

Hi @m_eckhard,

Looking at the snapshots you posted I think the only other explanation is taht you have the Always vector font preference option set:

Can you please check this and un-check that check-box and that should fix the issue. I am pretty sure this is the problem because looking at the font that is used it is definitely the internal Fusion vector font instead of being the selected True Type Font as expected.

Please let me know if there is anythign else I can help you with.

Kind Regards,

[BeeAmaker]

Seems like this could be a lot easier if there was an option to assign a PCB sketch to a silkscreen layer... hint hint

[m_eckhard]

Hi @constantin.popescuXD3CL ,

fixed it! Apparently an oversight on my part. I was so sure I had it unchecked. I even recall unchecking it... Doesn't matter. It works now, thank you very much!

However, I think this highlights the need for a SVG import feature. Since this is basically the same thing just with extra steps. I asked this question already in the beginning of this thread but my question still remains: how do other people that work with Fusion or EAGLE get their brands on their PCBs? It seems to me that not everyone wants to feed their brands svg file through online TTF converters. I guess there's still the offline way with Inkscape + FontForge for example but in my opinion this is way too time consuming. If I recall correctly other ECAD programs have a streamlined process for this.

Are there any plans for adding a svg file import feature (like the dxf file import) in the future? I think this would greatly benefit Fusion and its community.

Best regards

[melisa.kaner]

Hi everyone, thanks so much for the feedback in this thread - it is invaluable to us to ensure we're investing in the 'right' areas! We recognise that this area needs some work and I'd love to learn more. Please feel free to DM me to hop on a quick call for further discussions. 

@BeeAmaker  I'd love to chat more about your thoughts for PCB Sketches, I'll DM you for a quick call! 

@m_eckhard, I'd also love to chat more about your proposal for SVG import. I'll DM you for a quick call!

[BeeAmaker]

Sure! 

I'll reply to your DM with the requested information. 

You are already half way there. In the 3D view we can create a PCB sketch and in that sketch we can import a SVG file. However, in 2D view we can't do anything with it and the SVG gets turned into a bunch of individual lines. i.e. the integrity of the SVG is lost. All that is needed is to maintain the SVG image and add a right click > assign to layer. then we can add all the images and text we want. 😉

Thanks