diff --git a/utils/kicad2step/pcb/kicadfootprint.cpp b/utils/kicad2step/pcb/kicadfootprint.cpp
index 0feaa2ec6a..fce0ddf0ca 100644
--- a/utils/kicad2step/pcb/kicadfootprint.cpp
+++ b/utils/kicad2step/pcb/kicadfootprint.cpp
@@ -46,6 +46,8 @@ KICADFOOTPRINT::KICADFOOTPRINT( KICADPCB* aParent )
     m_parent = aParent;
     m_side = LAYER_NONE;
     m_rotation = 0.0;
+    m_smd = false;
+    m_tht = false;
     m_virtual = false;
 
     return;
@@ -143,6 +145,9 @@ bool KICADFOOTPRINT::Read( SEXPR::SEXPR* aEntry )
                 result = parseModel( child );
         }
 
+        if( !m_smd && !m_tht )
+            m_virtual = true;
+
         return result;
     }
 
@@ -281,7 +286,11 @@ bool KICADFOOTPRINT::parseAttribute( SEXPR::SEXPR* data )
     else if( child->IsString() )
         text = child->GetString();
 
-    if( text == "virtual" )
+    if( text == "smd" )
+        m_smd = true;
+    else if( text == "through_hole" )
+        m_tht = true;
+    else if( text == "virtual" )
         m_virtual = true;
 
     return true;
diff --git a/utils/kicad2step/pcb/kicadfootprint.h b/utils/kicad2step/pcb/kicadfootprint.h
index 6687b08669..e0810f9c20 100644
--- a/utils/kicad2step/pcb/kicadfootprint.h
+++ b/utils/kicad2step/pcb/kicadfootprint.h
@@ -69,6 +69,8 @@ private:
     std::string m_refdes;
     DOUBLET     m_position;
     double      m_rotation; // rotation (radians)
+    bool        m_smd;      // true for a SMD component
+    bool        m_tht;      // true for a through-hole component
     bool        m_virtual;  // true for a virtual (usually mechanical) component
 
     std::vector< KICADPAD* >    m_pads;