Preferred metrics for panel layouts?

[swamphorn]

Is there a useful general guide or standard on front panel layout--for example, "place knobs 1/2" from the edge and 1" apart?" I tend to get excessively caught up in details like this when I'm designing and I would prefer if I had some guidelines to refer to.

[deadastronaut]

when designing a layout i use this...

pedal vector pack PDF , has all the common parts in vector format.

to proper scale.  i use this in inkscape, copy n paste the part into your project...


http://www.ontheroadeffects.com/vectorpack/

[EBK]

Something I've tried before, if you really want to obsess and want a "rule":

https://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=116465.msg1078528#msg1078528

I'm not claiming this is the best way.

[italianguy63]

I tend to just do what is aesthetic and what makes sense in space.  Often, I will design layout around what kind of artwork I can find for the pedal as well.  But usually, I just evenly space the knobs depending on how many there are and how big the enclosure it.  If I have to "fudge" and things are tight-- I'll use smaller knobs for example.

Then, I will place the major components (pots/switches) onto the PCB design 1st, and then populate the rest of the components around them...

MC

[duck_arse]

welcome to the forum, swamphorn.

general guides and standards are always ignored around here for personal preferences. I tend to put the intended knobs on the target front panel, and get them where I like the proportions, then do measures from that. sometimes, successfully.

[italianguy63]

Here.. some examples:

[287m]

when designing a layout i use this...

pedal vector pack PDF , has all the common parts in vector format.

to proper scale.  i use this in inkscape, copy n paste the part into your project...


http://www.ontheroadeffects.com/vectorpack/

+1 for pedal vectorpack

my favorite, combine this and eagle template from madbean library. But when not have eagle, find drill template from storyboardist. And just import to begin sketch.

[quad4]

Any recommendations on footswitch placement ... especially when you want more then one or two switches?

This probably has more to do with ergonomics and stability than how it looks visually.

[davent]

The aesthetics take precedent with ease of use in mind. I don't default, use the pcb designers layout to accommodate board mounted pots and switches.

The aforementioned Vector pak and Inkscape to create an aesthetic layout, a mockup to test for ease of use.
dave