I'm deciding what tool I'd like to use to create high-quality electronic schematics for documentation and presentation purposes rather than for CAD (I use KiCAD to actually design PCBs). I previously used circuitikz for this, but have become a bit frustrated with how long it takes to create a simple schematic (I have used it quite extensively and feel proficient with it, so I don't feel I can become that much more efficient with it). Additionally, circuitikz does not make it particularly easy to compose subcircuits. I could use KiCAD's SVG export but I don't like the look of kicad schematics and it would mean I would need several files for each simple schematic I draw.

I'm leaning toward using inkscape. It is, of course, sufficiently general-purpose for this use case and I'm hoping, with practice, can be used quite efficiently. In addition to giving me complete control over the visual output, it also means that I only ever need a single SVG file for each schematic. However, I'm very new to inkscape and would like feedback from more experienced users as to whether it is possible (with sufficient setup and practice) to use it efficiently for this purpose. In terms of efficiency, I mean something comparable to drawing a schematic in LTSpice, for instance.

I've done a bit of research on this, and here is my current plan. I plan to make a symbol library based on the schematic symbols from old hand-drawn HP manuals (see for instance, http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/06253-90002.pdf?id=734433#page=61). I like the visual appearance of these symbols better than any of the alternatives I've seen (e.g., wikimedia commons or any of the free inkscape symbol repos I've seen on github). The symbols will be adapted somewhat so that they snap to a 1mm grid. Then, I would use bezier curves to draw wires between the symbols.

Does this plan seem feasible/efficient? Any recommendations? Are there any ways to achieve the same output quality using easier/better methods?

By the way, I have seen https://github.com/fsmMLK/inkscapeCircuitSymbols, which looks interesting, but I prefer the symbols of the HP diagrams and so, unfortunately, this is a deal breaker for me.

Also, I'm happy to put the time in to writing an extension, if that's what it takes. I don't mind putting in the time to learn inkscape properly (I'd like to do this anyway), but I would like to eventually get to a place where I can produce very nice looking schematics easily.

Hello Matthuszagh,

I used Inkscape to design electric and hydraulic circuitry many years ago (starting about 2006) when I developed a wind-power technology program.  Everything was new.  I found it best to draw individual components and store them in dedicated .svg files which were then categorized in an electric design, hydraulic design, and mechanical design subdirectory.  I think it's great that you can customize how components appear according to your sense and sensibility of how things look.  I recommend learning the various drawing techniques to construct your components and then constructing your personal library.  From there, you should be able to construct an extension that utilizes your library.  I'm probably sounding very naive here, but I've done it.  There are tutorials galore out there on the Web, including mine (just Google "Roy Inkscape" and a link should appear at the top of the listing).  Circuitry drawn with class is art in its own right!  Best wishes, Roy

Maybe you have already seen the circuit symbols library  

To use, place the linked svg file in the user profile Symbols directory, launch Inkscape and drag & drop from the symbols dialog.

I was having the same challenge (wanted to quickly create good looking schematics with inkscape).  I decided that it always took too long (even with a set of schematic symbols).  I decided to use LTSpice as the schematic editor and then build a golang tool for converting that .asc file to svg that inkscape can import.  I can then improve the figure as much as I want.  If you think this is useful, the tool is available for free at https://www.icewire.ca/#/

I followed the approach mentioned in #3. However, the Symbol set "Electrnoic Components Library" did not show up after I put the svg file into my symbol library folder,

zhaofeng-shu33

I followed the approach mentioned in #3. However, the Symbol set "Electrnoic Components Library" did not show up after I put the svg file into my symbol library folder, 

Inkscape will need to be restarted after putting the file in the directory... did Inkscape get restarted?

Still not works. I will test it on another computer if I have time.

The file is not a symbol file

"The file is not a symbol file"

As you suspected in your reply to my post yesterday. 

Do you, or Tyler or anyone have any idea how to proceed please? 

"The file is not a symbol file"

As you suspected in your reply to my post yesterday. 

Do you, or Tyler or anyone have any idea how to proceed please?