KiCad MCP Pro — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
An MCP server linking KiCad to AI assistants for schematic review, PCB routing checks, DRC validation, and export prep. It helps engineers catch hardware design issues before fabrication.
claude mcp add --env KICAD_MCP_LOG_LEVEL=<KICAD_MCP_LOG_LEVEL> --env KICAD_MCP_PRO_PYPI_VERSION=<KICAD_MCP_PRO_PYPI_VERSION> --transport stdio kicad-mcp-pro -- npx -y kicad-mcp-proWhat KiCad MCP Pro does
The server connects KiCad to AI agents through the Model Context Protocol. It boots with the read-only default profile containing 24 inspection tools. Write access requires the build profile, while handoff to manufacturing uses the release profile. The expert and full catalogs remain reserved for advanced environments.
DRC and ERC validation run directly on native KiCad engines. Thermal and signal-integrity checks provide first-order analytical estimates within roughly 5–10% accuracy. They do not replace field solvers.
Component sourcing defaults to JLCPCB's public inventory. Querying Mouser or DigiKey requires valid API credentials in your environment. You can manage the server via uvx kicad-mcp-pro or open the Tauri desktop GUI on http://127.0.0.1:3334/ui.
What it helps with
- run native KiCad DRC and ERC rule checks
- evaluate signal integrity and board thermal estimates
- generate a BOM using the JLCPCB public catalog
- export manufacturing deliverables for PCB fabrication
Example prompts for the agent
- Run KiCad DRC on the current PCB and list all clearance violations.
- Generate a component BOM matching parts from the JLCPCB catalog.
- Estimate thermal dissipation for high-current copper traces on this board.
How to install KiCad MCP Pro
Platform CLI
claude mcp add --env KICAD_MCP_LOG_LEVEL=<KICAD_MCP_LOG_LEVEL> --env KICAD_MCP_PRO_PYPI_VERSION=<KICAD_MCP_PRO_PYPI_VERSION> --transport stdio kicad-mcp-pro -- npx -y kicad-mcp-proReplace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
codex mcp add kicad-mcp-pro --env KICAD_MCP_LOG_LEVEL=<KICAD_MCP_LOG_LEVEL> --env KICAD_MCP_PRO_PYPI_VERSION=<KICAD_MCP_PRO_PYPI_VERSION> -- npx -y kicad-mcp-proReplace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"kicad-mcp-pro": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"kicad-mcp-pro"
],
"env": {
"KICAD_MCP_LOG_LEVEL": "<KICAD_MCP_LOG_LEVEL>",
"KICAD_MCP_PRO_PYPI_VERSION": "<KICAD_MCP_PRO_PYPI_VERSION>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"servers": {
"kicad-mcp-pro": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"kicad-mcp-pro"
],
"env": {
"KICAD_MCP_LOG_LEVEL": "<KICAD_MCP_LOG_LEVEL>",
"KICAD_MCP_PRO_PYPI_VERSION": "<KICAD_MCP_PRO_PYPI_VERSION>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e KICAD_MCP_LOG_LEVEL=<KICAD_MCP_LOG_LEVEL> -e KICAD_MCP_PRO_PYPI_VERSION=<KICAD_MCP_PRO_PYPI_VERSION> kicad-mcp-pro npx -y kicad-mcp-proReplace <…> with your own values
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about KiCad MCP Pro
How do I install KiCad MCP Pro in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add kicad-mcp-pro -- npx -y kicad-mcp-pro in your terminal.
What is the main purpose of KiCad MCP Pro?
It connects AI assistants directly to KiCad to automate design rule checks, review schematics, and prepare manufacturing deliverables.
Can this server replace dedicated EM or thermal simulation software?
No, its signal and thermal calculations provide closed-form first-pass estimates with about 5–10% accuracy. They do not substitute 2D/3D field solvers or formal sign-off.
