# KiCad Tools

Exposes 109 tools for KiCad schematics and board layout. It lets coding assistants edit circuit files and run DRC checks directly on disk.

- MCP server · `type=mcp` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf (Devin Desktop), Cline, Zed, Gemini CLI · ★ 15
- Author: ProductOfAmerica
- License: GPL-3.0 · policy=link-only · description only; the file stays with the author
- Source: https://github.com/ProductOfAmerica/mcp-server-kicad
- Updated: 2026-10-23
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/kicad-tools

## What it 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.

## Requirements
- Needs: Python and uv (commands run via uvx)

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

**Platform CLI**
```bash
claude mcp add mcp-server-kicad -- uvx mcp-server-kicad
```
uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from mcp-server-kicad <command>

### Codex

**Platform CLI**
```bash
codex mcp add kicad-tools -- uvx mcp-server-kicad
```
uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from mcp-server-kicad <command>

### Cursor

**Config file**
File `.cursor/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "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>

### GitHub Copilot

**Config file**
File `.vscode/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "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>

### Gemini CLI

**Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini mcp add kicad-tools uvx mcp-server-kicad
```
uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from mcp-server-kicad <command>

## When to use it
- 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
- 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

## Similar
- [KiCad MCP Pro](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/kicad-mcp-pro.md) — MCP server · ★ 155
- [KiCad Copilot](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/kicad-copilot.md) — MCP server · ★ 20
- [kicad](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/kicad.md) — skill · 1100 installs
- [eda-pcb](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/eda-pcb.md) — skill · 467 installs
- [eda-schematics](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/eda-schematics.md) — skill · 491 installs
- [EasyEDA Copilot](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/easyeda-copilot.md) — MCP server · ★ 187

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