KiCad
What it is
KiCad is a free, open-source electronic design automation suite for creating schematics and laying out printed circuit boards. Its electrical rules checker flags schematic connection issues such as output-pin conflicts, missing drivers, and unconnected pins. The PCB editor offers collision-highlight, shove, and walkaround routing modes that follow design rules, while an integrated 3D viewer shows board designs using a library of 3D models and supports ray tracing. Schematic netlists can be exported in Pspice, Cadstar, PcbNew, and generic XML formats. KiCad imports schematic designs from Altium tools, CADSTAR, EAGLE, EasyEDA, and LTSpice; PCB imports include those and other sources such as Allegro, Fabmaster, P-CAD 200x ASCII, and SolidWorks. Downloads are listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with a Docker option. The stable Linux release is an AppImage for x86-64 systems. KiCad began in 1992 and is managed by the KiCad Development Team. Most source code uses GNU GPL version 3 or later, and libraries use CC-BY-SA 4.0.
For and against
For
- Free, open-source design suite.
- Includes schematic checks and PCB routing modes.
- 3D viewer supports model libraries and ray tracing.
- Imports designs from multiple listed tools.
- Downloads include Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Against
- Stable Linux release is for x86-64 systems.
- Desktop deployment rather than web is listed.
The verdict
KiCad provides schematic and board-design tools alongside import and export options, with downloads for major desktop platforms. Its free license and stated aim of serving both experienced and new designers are central considerations.
Who it suits
KiCad may suit electronics designers who need schematic capture and PCB layout on desktop systems. Its stated audience includes professional designers as well as people new to the field.
Plans and prices
KiCad
Free software; GNU GPL version 3 or greater
Read 29 Sep 2026 · kicad.org
On the record
- 3D preview
- The integrated 3D viewer displays PCB designs with a library of 3D models and supports ray tracing.kicad.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Audience
- The project's stated goal is a cross-platform electronics design application for professional designers that remains approachable to new users.kicad.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- External tools
- The official external-tools directory lists community tools including an InvenTree part database plugin and KiCad StepUp for KiCad and FreeCAD workflows.kicad.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- History
- KiCad was first released in 1992 and is managed by the KiCad Development Team.kicad.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Import compatibility
- KiCad supports importing schematic designs from Altium tools, CADSTAR, EAGLE, EasyEDA, and LTSpice.kicad.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- License
- The majority of KiCad source code is distributed under GNU GPL version 3 or greater, while its libraries use CC-BY-SA 4.0.kicad.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Netlist export
- Schematic netlists can be exported in Pspice, Cadstar, PcbNew, and generic XML formats.kicad.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- PCB migration
- PCB design imports include Allegro, Altium tools, CADSTAR, EAGLE, EasyEDA, Fabmaster, P-CAD 200x ASCII, and SolidWorks.kicad.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- PCB routing
- The PCB editor includes collision-highlight, shove, and walkaround routing modes that respect design rules.kicad.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Platform limits
- The stable Linux release is provided as an AppImage for x86-64 systems.kicad.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Professional support
- Listed providers offer private support, training, consulting, and custom development services.kicad.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- KiCad is an open-source electronic design automation suite for schematic capture and PCB layout.kicad.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Schematic checks
- Its electrical rules checker verifies schematic connections for output pin conflicts, missing drivers, and unconnected pins.kicad.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- System support
- The official downloads list Windows, macOS, and Linux, and also provide a Docker download option.kicad.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Windows security
- KiCad says Windows installer binaries have code-signed digital signatures that users can verify.kicad.org · read 29 Sep 2026