It seems that part creation could be made much easier than it is now. This applies to both creating SVG files and in describing exactly how parts work and need to be put together.

For someone who hasn't used SVG and is unfamiliar with the tools for editing or creating the required files it can be a difficult and even tortuous process. This is compounded by not knowing or understanding the layering or tagging required and how this has to be set within the tools. Further compounded by the non-WYSIWYG nature of Fritzing in relation to the SVG itself. In my case edited files look okay in the graphics editor but everything looks wrong when imported into Fritizing, anchors and so on are missing. I'll readily admit this is all due to my lack of understanding but the 'Providing Part Graphics' guidelines are very brief and do not really describe what needs to be done in full.

The same is true for creating parts beyond the graphics. It's not so bad for a single part based on an existing part but how to create a generic part which can be one of a number of variants is not clearly defined. For example I can create a whole range of I2C EEPROM individually, with different breadboard and schematic graphics where they vary, but cannot see how to create a single I2C EEPROM which can be chosen to be any one of those parts when put on a breadboard.

For someone not familiar with how Frtizing works behind the scenes it's a case of 'I know what I want to do, but cannot figure out what I need to do nor how to do that'. Are there any tutorials or instructions which I have missed, any recommendations on how best to proceed ?

I've always found that part creation is the make or break of a product and the easier it is to create parts the more successful a product will be. Some better help on the process would, I'm sure, be much appreciated by every one.

I think you guys are right here.  Unfortunately this will require essetially writing our own simplified SVG drawing tool specialized to Fritzing's specs.  We want to do it but it will be some time before anyone gets to it.

As for creating a family of EEPROMs, you can just give them all the same "family" parameter.  They will automatically be swapable with each other via the inspector.  I would suggest the following:  open a generic IC in the parts editor, change the chip-label, description, name and family.  Repeat for all other variants.  Make sure they all have the same family and you will be able to swap them. No fighting with SVG necessary.  If you get motivated, you can make custom graphics for the schematics or whatever later.

Then send them to us and we'll put them in Fritzing!

-Brendan