To import components, you can use the Component (CSV) Import.

This works for all excel or CSV files with References and X/Y positions. If you have only BOM Information you have to use the Part Matcher

The import is easy to use, PCB-Investigator will try to find the columns but user can modify the table indizes manually.

The settings gives you options to identify the packages and place new components with different methodes:

1) options depending to the import table e.g. the unit of X/Y coordinates or the rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise).

2) Use existing libraries e.g. the easylogix shared EPackLib to find package outlines and optional part information (with option to set missing packages by part outlines).

3) Package Finder gives many options how to identify the packages, with "Check for Similar Package Names" small nameing differences e.g. 0603C and 0603_C handled identically. Most Important for exising footprint layer is the compare of package footprint with existing pads.

In the Results tab you have some more options:

1) Check each placed package in the Result list, there are markings for Missing/Created and Updated packages

2) Compare with the library, the founded result list (Alternative packages with score) and directly compare all placings in the design

3) Edit the result or replace missing dummy packages with different libraries. You can also create new packages via pad selection with "Create Package from Selection"

Here a short video with the complete workflow:

To view the BOM, use the Component Manager (see Working With Components or here).

To export and print the BOM, use the "Export" tab.

If you want to transfer the components to an other design, you can use the Component List Export and on the other side the CSV Import (see above). But this is only working if you store your package/part definition in an library.