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KiCad Applications Overview

KiCad is a comprehensive electronic design automation (EDA) suite consisting of multiple integrated applications that work together to provide a complete workflow from schematic capture to PCB manufacturing.

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The KiCad Suite

KiCad is not a single application, but rather a suite of tools that share common libraries and file formats. Each application is specialized for a specific task in the electronic design workflow.

Project Manager

The central hub for managing your design projects and launching other applications

Schematic Editor

Design electrical schematics with hierarchical sheets and ERC

CvPcb

Assign PCB footprints to schematic symbols

PCB Editor

Layout printed circuit boards with advanced routing and DRC

3D Viewer

Visualize your PCB design in 3D with STEP model support

Gerber Viewer

Inspect and verify Gerber manufacturing files

PCB Calculator

Perform essential calculations for PCB design

Page Layout Editor

Customize title blocks and drawing sheet templates

Bitmap2Component

Convert bitmap images to footprints or symbols

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Typical Workflow

The typical workflow through KiCad applications follows this sequence:
1

Start with Project Manager

Create a new project or open an existing one. The Project Manager serves as the central hub.
2

Design the Schematic

Launch the Schematic Editor to create your circuit diagram, place symbols, and define electrical connections.
3

Assign Footprints

Assign PCB footprints to each symbol in your schematic using the symbol properties or CvPcb tool.
4

Layout the PCB

Import the netlist into the PCB Editor and arrange components, route traces, and define board outline.
5

Visualize in 3D

Check component clearances and board appearance using the integrated 3D Viewer.
6

Generate Manufacturing Files

Export Gerber files, drill files, and other fabrication outputs from the PCB Editor.
7

Verify with Gerber Viewer

Use the Gerber Viewer to inspect your manufacturing files before sending to fabrication.

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Application Integration

All KiCad applications are tightly integrated:

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Shared File Formats

  • KiCad Project (.kicad_pro): Contains project settings and configuration
  • Schematic (.kicad_sch): Schematic design files
  • PCB (.kicad_pcb): PCB layout files
  • Symbol Libraries (.kicad_sym): Schematic symbol definitions
  • Footprint Libraries (.kicad_mod): PCB footprint definitions

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Cross-Referencing

KiCad maintains links between schematics and PCBs:
  • Forward annotation from schematic to PCB
  • Back annotation from PCB to schematic
  • Component reference synchronization
  • Net name consistency

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Common Libraries

All applications access the same symbol and footprint libraries, ensuring consistency across your designs.

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Utility Applications

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PCB Calculator

Perform common PCB design calculations:
  • Track width for current carrying
  • Via size calculations
  • Differential pair impedance
  • Color code resistor values

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Page Layout Editor

Customize the appearance of:
  • Drawing sheet templates
  • Title blocks
  • Company logos and information
  • Custom fields and annotations

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Bitmap2Component

Convert raster images into:
  • Custom footprints for logos
  • Schematic symbols from drawings
  • Silkscreen artwork

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Command-Line Interface

KiCad also provides a powerful CLI for automation: 
kicad-cli pcb export gerbers -o output/ board.kicad_pcb
kicad-cli sch export pdf schematic.kicad_sch
kicad-cli pcb drc board.kicad_pcb
See the CLI Reference for complete command documentation.

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File Organization

A typical KiCad project structure: 
my_project/
├── my_project.kicad_pro    # Project file
├── my_project.kicad_sch    # Main schematic
├── my_project.kicad_pcb    # PCB layout
├── sym-lib-table           # Symbol library table
├── fp-lib-table            # Footprint library table
├── 3d_models/              # 3D models (optional)
├── gerbers/                # Manufacturing outputs
└── backups/                # Automatic backups

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Getting Help

Each application includes:
  • Built-in help system (F1 key)
  • Tooltips for tools and buttons
  • Context-sensitive help
  • Online documentation
All KiCad applications can be launched from the Project Manager, or run independently from the command line or application menu.

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Next Steps

Explore the Project Manager

Learn how to create and manage projects

Start with Schematics

Begin designing your circuit

Design Your PCB

Layout your board

Complete Workflow Guide

Follow the full design process

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