Component

 The component footprint defines the component mounting and connections on the PCB, and can also include 3D body objects to define the actual component. 
The component footprint defines the component mounting and connections on the PCB, and can also include 3D body objects to define the actual component.

The component footprint defines the space and connection points needed to mount the physical component on the printed circuit board. It is a group object made up of a collection of simple primitive objects, which could include pads, lines, and arcs, as well as other design objects. The pads provide the mounting and connection points for the component pins. Additional design primitives, such as lines and arcs, are often included to define the outline of the component shape on the component overlay (silkscreen) layer.

The component footprint can also include optional 3D body objects, which define the physical space or envelope of the actual component that is mounted on the board. If the physical component has been defined using 3D body objects or imported STEP models, three-dimensional component clearance checking can be performed. 

Component footprints are created in the PCB Library Editor by placing suitable design objects to create the shape required to mount and connect the component. The component reference point is the origin of the PCB Library Editor design space, which can be set in the PCB Library Editor to: pin 1, the geometric center, or a user-defined location on the component.