Kobee Studio is a parametric artwork tool inside KiCad PCB Editor. It creates labels, icons, connector overlays, callouts, QR codes and barcodes as ordinary editable footprint geometry.
The mental model
Kobee Studio does not replace the electrical footprint or silently redraw the board. Each artwork item is a separate footprint containing the geometry needed to show the label or marking. That means you can select, move, duplicate, edit or delete it in KiCad like other board objects.
The editor has three decisions that matter most:
- Artwork type — choose a label, symbol, header overlay, callout, QR code or barcode.
- Output layer — choose the board layer where the artwork will be fabricated or displayed.
- Settings — adjust text, shape, spacing, clearances and manufacturing-aware size limits.
A repeatable board workflow
- Save the PCB before placing new artwork.
- Open Tools → External Plugins → Kobee Studio: Create PCB Artwork.
- Pick the artwork type and the intended layer.
- Start with the preview and change the smallest number of settings needed.
- Place the item, then reopen it from the artwork footprint when you need to edit it.
- Inspect the result in KiCad's board and 3D views before sending it to a fabricator.
Layers are intentional
An artwork item belongs to one chosen layer. To create matching artwork on both sides of a board, duplicate the item and change the layer deliberately. This makes front/back intent visible and avoids accidentally putting decorative graphics on an electrical or courtyard layer.
Editing is the point
Select an existing Kobee Studio artwork footprint and open the plugin again. The editor reads the saved settings, so you can change the text, shape, icon, layer or spacing without rebuilding the item from scratch.