KiCad JLCPCB Tools
KiCad plugin that generates JLCPCB-ready BOM, CPL and fabrication files and assigns LCSC part numbers from the JLCPCB parts database.
What it does and how it connects
KiCad JLCPCB Tools is a KiCad plugin that generates everything needed for JLCPCB fabrication and assembly: Gerber files, Excellon drill files, a BOM file, and a CPL placement file, plus a JLCPCB controlled-impedance workbook and HTML companion when enabled for the board. It works with KiCad 7 through 10 and installs through the KiCad Plugin and Content Manager from the author's repository, or by cloning into the scripting plugins folder.
It also lets the user search the JLCPCB parts database and assign parts directly to footprints, so the LCSC part numbers land in the BOM. On KiCad 10 boards with named design variants it compares and edits variants side by side and generates separate fabrication outputs per variant. Other features include footprint rotation correction, a JLCPCB parts library window, automatic schematic saving, and export of additional JLC-specific layers.
What engineers report
The last release of kicad-jlcpcb-tools, 2026.04.03, is from seven months ago, and in the meantime, a number of new pieces of functionality have been added, which are not yet incorporated into any release. Is there a plan for when you intend to make a new release?
2026-11-05Read the original
Alternatives
Compare side by side- kicad-mcp-pro
An MCP server for agent-driven KiCad workflows with manufacturing export, rather than a plugin that prepares JLCPCB fab files.
- kicad-happy
Agent skills for reviewing KiCad designs, rather than a plugin that generates JLCPCB BOM, CPL, and Gerbers.
- KiSkill
Claude Code skills plus a headless engine for full KiCad control, rather than a JLCPCB fab-prep plugin.
- pcbkit
Generates KiCad boards from Python code with fab outputs, rather than preparing fab files from a board drawn in KiCad.
- circuit-json-to-kicad
Converts Circuit JSON into KiCad schematics and layouts, rather than exporting a KiCad board for JLCPCB.
Recurring errors it addresses
Error Index entries this tool is built to reduce or work around.
- The plugin CPL centers on the soldered pad bounding box instead of the footprint anchor, so 7 of 89 parts differ from KiCad's own position file, two MEMS mics off by plus 1.3685 mm, and they showed misplaced in JLCPCB's 3D preview.Error Index
- kicad-jlcpcb-tools is on part 3 of a 7-PR series to work out each part CPL rotation, fit and polarity from KiCad pin functions on one side and EasyEDA package marks on the other. The truth data is two real uploads, with angles taken from space-bar presses in JLC placement preview, and users see nothing until part 5.Error Index
- Interactive routing creates unwanted micro-segments and awkward paths that take time to clean up.Error Index
- Grid snap and move commands can disconnect items or reposition them in unwanted ways.Error Index
- GUI lag, occasional freezes, and sluggish editor switching interrupt concentration.Error Index
Sources
Not verified
- Pricing: none stated on the repo; the Ko-fi, Buy Me a Coffee, and GitHub Sponsors badges are donation links, not a price.
- A standalone vendor website: repo only.
Last verified November 6, 2026. Listings are informational. The evidence score measures public, verifiable evidence and is not an endorsement or a compatibility claim.