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brief = "Footprint anchor should be placed in the middle of the component body"
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The footprint anchor (also called _component origin_) is used by automated Pick and Place (PNP) machines for locating and placing SMD components on a PCB.

For most standard components, the anchor should generally be located on the centroid of the component body.

In the KiCad footprint editor, the footprint anchor is _always located at the origin_ (0, 0). To move the footprint relative to the anchor (origin), press the *Place footprint reference anchor* button (refer to image below).

{{< klcimg src="F6.2a" title="Anchor is normally set to center of component body" >}}

*Exceptions:*

Some footprints (especially those which are non-symmetrical) require special consideration and the anchor may not necessarily be placed on the component centroid.

Generally speaking, the correct location of the footprint anchor can be found in the component datasheet. The image below shows an example for a *Molex Pico-Lock* connector.

{{< klcimg src="F6.2b" title="Precise anchor position can be found in the footprint datasheet" >}}
