kicad-mcp (ANamelessDrake)
MCP server for programmatic KiCad 8 schematic and PCB design, with schematic and PCB tools, library and JLCPCB parts search, Freerouting autorouting and Gerber, SVG and 3D export, working directly on S expression files
What it does and how it connects
kicad-mcp is an MCP server that lets large language models programmatically create, read, and modify KiCad 8 schematic (.kicad_sch) and PCB layout (.kicad_pcb) files. It works directly on the S-expression files with a lossless parser, so no running KiCad instance is needed for core operations.
Its schematic tools place symbols, add wires, labels, and power symbols, delete elements, and run ERC. Its PCB tools place footprints singly or in arrays, move footprints, route traces, add vias and zones, set the board outline, assign nets to pads, add mounting holes, run DRC, and export Gerbers, SVG, and 3D files.
The server also searches KiCad symbol and footprint libraries and the JLCPCB catalog by keyword, category, or LCSC number with no authentication required, and it routes PCBs through Freerouting integration using DSN export, routing, and SES import. Requirements are Python 3.10 or later and KiCad 8 for kicad-cli, library files, ERC, and DRC, with Java optional for Freerouting.
Alternatives
Compare side by side- kicad-mcp (blwfish)
An MCP server that drives a full KiCad workflow from a plain language description, with autorouting and LCSC part lookup, and a larger community around it.
- kicad-claude-mcp
An MCP server with 105 tools that edits KiCad schematic and PCB files directly, with signal integrity, thermal, and SPICE coverage.
- mcp-kicad-sch-api
Covers schematic work only, through the kicad-sch-api library, with no PCB layout, routing, or export tools.
- kicad-mcp-pro
An MCP server with profile-gated access to KiCad schematic, PCB, validation, DFM, and manufacturing export tools.
- kicad-mcp (draganito)
A compact Rust MCP server that drives a running KiCad 10 PCB editor over the IPC API, rather than editing S-expression files directly.
Recurring errors it addresses
Error Index entries this tool is built to reduce or work around.
- 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
- Wayland/NVIDIA users report graphical glitches, flicker, or instability.Error Index
Sources
Not verified
- License: the GitHub API returns no license for this repo, so no license is stated.
- No GitHub releases exist, so latest release fields are null.
- No independent user voice found: the repo has no public issues listed via the API.
- Pricing: none stated on the repo.
- A named individual builder beyond the repository owner handle ANamelessDrake
Last verified November 6, 2026. Listings are informational. The evidence score measures public, verifiable evidence and is not an endorsement or a compatibility claim.