Comment 30 for bug 594023

Hi,

I to need a hatched layer for capacitive touch sensing.

Instead of getting bogged down into specifics of coding to implement this type of feature, would not just be simpler to allow importing of a graphic into a copper layer, and have the ability to assign a Net to this copper. The absence of the copper layer option during import is notable.

Using this method you could draw pads, the hatching and the desired no fill area around the pads in a drawing or CAD program and just import it over done. Then stitching and/or vias as necesary a per normal.

This would seem a very acceptable, quick and easily implemented short term solution. Going forward having a copper graphic ability would be a nice feature anyway.

Consider that capacitive switch pads will have a bespoke copper shape (round, slider wheel whatever) and will probably have a hole in it 'somewhere' for an LED, with 1 small via per connecting to the pad and then the whole of that side of the board be completely covered with solder mask to the board outline - simple!

It seems KiCad already has all the functions now needed to do what we require, all that is need is for a copper layers to be visible during the import function.

Thanks