Download KiCad
KiCad is a software suite for electronic design automation. It provides tools for schematic entry, printed circuit board layout, and 3D visualisation. The package includes a Gerber viewer, a bitmap converter, and a page layout editor. A project manager organises design files. Libraries supply symbols and footprints. The electrical rules checker and SPICE simulator verify designs. The PCB editor routes traces with an interactive router. Output generates manufacturing files. The software runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It supports Python scripting for automation. The suite is maintained by the KiCad Developers.
This program targets engineers, hobbyists, and educators who design electronic circuits. It handles simple schematics and complex hierarchical boards. Users create custom symbols and footprints. The 3D viewer checks mechanical fit. The Gerber viewer inspects fabrication data. The PCB calculator computes trace properties. The BOM tool exports component lists. The page layout editor customises worksheets. The software stores projects in a text-based format. Version control systems track changes. The interface supports multiple languages. The KiCad Developers release updates regularly.
The KiCad Developers coordinate contributions through GitLab. The project accepts patches, bug reports, and translations. Documentation resides on a dedicated website. The forum provides community support. Libraries receive updates from volunteers. The source code contains directories for each tool. The build system uses CMake. Unit tests verify functionality. The software remains free for all users. The development team includes Jean-Pierre Charras and many others. The project started in 1992 and continues active development.
Use Cases for KiCad
| Creates flat and hierarchical circuit diagrams with unlimited sheets | Electrical rules checker validates connectivity and pin conflicts |
| Routes copper traces on multiple layers with interactive router | Design rule checking enforces clearance, width, via constraints |
| Raytraced 3D board rendering with adjustable lighting | Inspects mechanical fit, component height, collision checking |
| Displays Gerber and drill files from any PCB design | Verifies fabrication output without original design files |
| Thousands of symbols and footprints in official libraries | Text-based library format supports version control workflows |
| Organizes schematic, PCB, library files into single project | Tracks dependencies, handles ZIP archive import and export |
| Extracts component lists from schematic into reports | Groups by value, footprint, reference with manufacturer part numbers |
| Converts bitmap images into copper, silkscreen, mask artwork | Creates logos and custom graphics for board fabrication |
| Designs custom worksheet templates with title blocks and borders | Reusable layout files applied to new or existing projects |
| Computes trace width from current and temperature rise | Calculates via properties, impedance, fuse current, component values |
| Records macros for repetitive schematic and PCB actions | Python scripting automates tasks across large designs |
| SPICE simulator performs DC, AC, transient, noise analyses | Graphs results within schematic editor before fabrication |