KiCAD MCP Server

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KiCAD MCP Server is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that enables AI assistants like Claude to interact with KiCAD for PCB design automation. Built on the MCP 2025-06-18 specification, this server provides comprehensive tool schemas and real-time project state access for intelligent PCB design workflows.

Design PCBs with natural language

Describe what you want to build — and let AI handle the EDA work. Place components, create custom symbols and footprints, route connections, run checks, and export production files, all by talking to your AI assistant.

What it can do today

• Project setup, schematic editing, component placement, routing, DRC/ERC, export
• Custom symbol and footprint generation — for modules not in the standard KiCAD library
• Personal library management — create once, reuse across projects
• JLCPCB integration — parts catalog with pricing and stock data
• Freerouting integration — automatic PCB routing via Java/Docker
• Visual feedback — snapshots and session logs for traceability
• Cross-platform — Windows, Linux, macOS

Quick Start

1. Install KiCAD 9.0+
2. Install Node.js 18+ and Python 3.11+
3. Clone and build:

git clone https://github.com/mixelpixx/KiCAD-MCP-Server.git
cd KiCAD-MCP-Server
npm install
npm run build

1. Configure your AI client — see Platform Guide

GitHub Copilot (VS Code)

Copy config/vscode-mcp.example.json to .vscode/mcp.json — VS Code auto-detects it. → Full setup guide

Claude Desktop

Edit your config file:

• Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
• macOS/Linux: ~/.config/claude/claude_desktop_config.json

Example configs: config/windows-config.example.json or config/macos-config.example.json

Documentation

• Full README — complete documentation
• Quick Start (Router Tools) — first steps
• Tool Inventory — all available tools
• Schematic Tools Reference
• Routing Tools Reference
• Footprint & Symbol Creator Guide
• JLCPCB Usage Guide
• Platform Guide
• Changelog

Community

• Discussions — questions, ideas, showcase
• Issues — bugs and feature requests
• Contributing

Star History

AI Disclosure

Developed with AI Assistance This project was developed with the support of AI-assisted coding tools (GitHub Copilot, Claude). All code has been reviewed, tested, and integrated by the maintainers. AI tools were used to accelerate development — creative decisions, architecture, and responsibility remain entirely with the authors.

Disclaimer

No Warranty — Use at Your Own Risk

This project is provided without any warranty, express or implied. The authors and contributors accept no liability for damages of any kind arising from the use or inability to use this software, including but not limited to:

• Errors in generated schematics, PCB layouts, or manufacturing files
• Damage to hardware, components, or devices caused by incorrect designs
• Financial losses due to manufacturing errors or incorrect orders
• Data loss or corruption of KiCAD project files

AI-generated design suggestions do not replace qualified engineering review. Safety-critical applications (medical, aerospace, automotive, etc.) require mandatory independent expert verification.

This project is licensed under the MIT License — which likewise excludes all liability.