KiCad Tools — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Exposes 109 tools for KiCad schematics and board layout. It lets coding assistants edit circuit files and run DRC checks directly on disk.
claude mcp add mcp-server-kicad -- uvx mcp-server-kicadWhat KiCad Tools does
This server connects coding agents to KiCad 9 and KiCad 10 projects. Instead of rewriting raw s-expression text, the assistant interacts through specialized endpoints for placing components, updating nets, and checking design rules. Edits write directly to .kicad_sch and .kicad_pcb files while preserving surrounding bytes. Failed edits leave files untouched.
The package bundles 109 tools divided into five areas: schematics, board layout, project tree, symbol libraries, and footprints. It can generate Gerber outputs, drill maps, and BOM tables. For automated routing with autoroute_pcb, the host system must have Java 25 or newer installed. Note that the repository entered maintenance status in October 2026, receiving only security and KiCad compatibility patches.
What it helps with
- wire decoupling capacitors and power nets on a schematic
- run automated ERC and DRC passes to catch design violations
- push netlist changes from the schematic onto the board layout
- generate production Gerber files and drill data
Example prompts for the agent
- Locate the power pins on chip U1 and wire a 100 nF bypass capacitor
- Sync the board layout from the schematic and run a DRC check
- Export all Gerber layers and drill files to the output folder
How to install KiCad Tools
Platform CLI
claude mcp add mcp-server-kicad -- uvx mcp-server-kicaduvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from mcp-server-kicad <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add kicad-tools -- uvx mcp-server-kicaduvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from mcp-server-kicad <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"kicad-tools": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"mcp-server-kicad"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from mcp-server-kicad <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"kicad-tools": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"mcp-server-kicad"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from mcp-server-kicad <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add kicad-tools uvx mcp-server-kicaduvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from mcp-server-kicad <command>
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 Tools
How to install KiCad Tools in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add mcp-server-kicad -- uvx mcp-server-kicad in your terminal. You can also register the server under an alias with claude mcp add kicad-tools -- uvx mcp-server-kicad.
What does KiCad Tools do?
It gives language models an interface of 109 tools to inspect and edit KiCad designs. The assistant can modify schematics, place footprints, route tracks, and export fabrication files.
What are the system requirements for autorouting?
Running autoroute_pcb requires Java 25 or higher on your machine. You also need KiCad 9 or KiCad 10 installed alongside the server.
