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kicad-mcp-pcb-design

Automate KiCad PCB design with Python scripts for DRC validation and Gerber export.

1|Updated Jun 3, 2026
Search Tags:#automation#PCB design#KiCad#KiCad CLI#pcbnew
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/lachlanchen/LazySkills --skill kicad-mcp-pcb-design
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agentโ–ผ
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: kicad-mcp-pcb-design
Source: https://github.com/lachlanchen/LazySkills/tree/main/skills/kicad-mcp-pcb-design
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/lachlanchen/LazySkills --skill kicad-mcp-pcb-design

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

๐Ÿ’ก This Skill requires kicad-cli, pcbnew, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill simplifies the process of designing PCBs with KiCad, automating tasks like inspecting existing projects, generating new boards, and validating designs.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • KiCad PCB Automation: Automate PCB design tasks within KiCad.
  • Project Management: Manage and validate PCB projects efficiently.
  • Use Case: For a complex PCB design project, this Skill can automatically generate a new board based on existing reference designs, validate the design, and export the necessary files for production.

Quick Start

Generate a new PCB design based on the existing 'ref_board.kicad_pcb' using the kicad-mcp-pcb-design skill.

Frequently Asked Questions about kicad-mcp-pcb-design

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I automate KiCad PCB design tasks like DRC validation and Gerber export?โ–ผ

You can automate KiCad PCB design tasks by running Python scripts that execute kicad-cli for deterministic operations like DRC validation and Gerber export, alongside pcbnew for GUI-based board edits.

Can I generate a new PCB board automatically from an existing reference design in KiCad?โ–ผ

Yes, you can generate a new PCB board automatically from an existing reference design by executing Python scripts that utilize the existing .kicad_pcb file as a template for project generation and validation.

Does this PCB automation approach require both kicad-cli and pcbnew to work?โ–ผ

Yes, this PCB automation requires kicad-cli to handle deterministic tasks like DRC validation and Gerber export, while pcbnew is necessary for executing automated GUI edits within the KiCad environment.

What is the best way to manage and validate complex KiCad PCB projects programmatically?โ–ผ

The best way to manage complex KiCad projects programmatically is using Python scripts to orchestrate project generation, run automated DRC validation checks, and export production files via the kicad-cli command line interface.

Why use kicad-cli instead of just pcbnew for automating PCB rendering and file exports?โ–ผ

You use kicad-cli for PCB rendering and file exports because it handles deterministic tasks reliably without a GUI, whereas pcbnew is specifically utilized for automating interactive GUI edits within the board layout.

Are there limitations when using Python scripts to automate pcbnew GUI edits for board layout?โ–ผ

Limitations exist because pcbnew GUI edits require the graphical interface environment to be active, meaning pcbnew automation is unsuitable for fully headless operations compared to deterministic kicad-cli tasks.

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