Welcome to KiCad
A powerful, open-source electronic design automation suite for creating professional schematics and PCB layouts
What is KiCad?
KiCad is a comprehensive electronic design automation (EDA) suite that enables engineers and hobbyists to design electronic circuits and printed circuit boards. From schematic capture to PCB layout, 3D visualization, and manufacturing output generation, KiCad provides all the tools you need for professional electronic design.Free and Open Source
Licensed under GPLv3, KiCad is completely free with no limitations on board size or layers
Cross-Platform
Runs seamlessly on Windows, macOS, and Linux with identical features
Professional Grade
Used by hobbyists and professionals worldwide for commercial and research projects
Active Community
Large community providing libraries, tutorials, and support
Core Applications
KiCad is a suite of integrated applications working together to provide a complete EDA solution.Project Manager
Central hub for managing your design projects
Schematic Editor
Create hierarchical schematics with electrical rule checking
PCB Editor
Design multi-layer PCBs with advanced routing and DRC
3D Viewer
Visualize your PCB in 3D with STEP model support
Gerber Viewer
Inspect and verify Gerber manufacturing files
PCB Calculator
Essential calculations for PCB design
Key Features
Schematic Capture
Schematic Capture
- Hierarchical sheets for complex designs
- Extensive symbol libraries
- Electrical rule checking (ERC)
- Automatic annotation and cross-referencing
- BOM generation with customizable formats
PCB Layout
PCB Layout
- Support for up to 32 copper layers
- Advanced auto-routing capabilities
- Push and shove router
- Design rule checking (DRC)
- Differential pair routing
- Length matching and tuning
3D Visualization
3D Visualization
- Real-time 3D preview of your PCB
- STEP and VRML model support
- Export to mechanical CAD formats
- Realistic rendering for design reviews
Extensibility
Extensibility
- Python scripting API
- Action plugin system
- IPC API for external tool integration
- Custom file format support
Getting Started
Install KiCad
Download and install KiCad for your operating system from the official website or package manager.View installation instructions →
Create Your First Project
Learn the basics by creating a simple circuit with our quickstart guide.Start the quickstart →
Explore the Applications
Get familiar with the schematic editor, PCB layout tool, and other applications in the suite.View application overview →
Design Your Circuit
Follow our workflow guides to design schematics, create PCB layouts, and generate manufacturing files.Learn the workflow →
Advanced Capabilities
Python Scripting
Automate tasks and extend KiCad with Python scripts
Action Plugins
Create custom tools and automate workflows
SPICE Simulation
Simulate circuit behavior with integrated ngspice
Signal Integrity
Analyze high-speed signals and impedance
For Developers
Interested in contributing to KiCad or building extensions?Building from Source
Compile KiCad from source code
Architecture Guide
Understand KiCad’s codebase structure
Plugin Development
Create plugins and extend functionality
API Reference
Explore the Python and IPC APIs
Community and Support
KiCad is developed by a worldwide team of volunteers and supported by an active community. Join us on the KiCad forums or contribute to the project on GitLab.