kicad-tools (rjwalters)
Python tools built for AI agents to parse and manipulate KiCad schematic and PCB files, with an autorouter, an LLM driven PCB layout reasoning module, circuit blocks and an MCP server
What it does and how it connects
kicad-tools provides standalone Python tools that let AI agents parse, analyze, and manipulate KiCad schematic and PCB files programmatically. All tools output machine-readable JSON and require no running KiCad instance. A live demo gallery at kicad-tools.org shows example boards built end to end by these tools, with 2D and 3D renders, routing and manufacturing metrics, and downloadable fabrication packages.
The tool set includes a PCB autorouter, an LLM-driven PCB layout reasoning module (kct reason), reusable circuit blocks for building schematics from tested blocks, automated DRC and ERC violation repair, and an MCP server that lets AI assistants such as Claude interact with KiCad designs through the Model Context Protocol.
It installs from PyPI with optional extras for CUDA or Metal GPU acceleration, a native C++ router backend, and CMA-ES placement optimization. The README positions it as the foundation for building an AI assistant that reviews PCB designs, automating DRC checks in CI, or experimenting with LLM-driven routing.
Alternatives
Compare side by side- KiCad Routing Tools
A Rust-accelerated A star autorouter for KiCad 9 and 10 as a KiCad plugin and CLI, rather than a Python toolchain with an MCP server.
- kicad-mcp (blwfish)
An MCP server that drives a full KiCad workflow from a plain language description, rather than a Python library of composable tools.
- kicad-claude-mcp
An MCP server with 105 tools that edits KiCad schematic and PCB files directly, rather than a Python toolchain.
- TraceMaker
Routes and places an existing KiCad .kicad_pcb file, rather than offering a full agent toolchain with layout reasoning and circuit blocks.
- kicad-happy
A set of AI agent skills that analyzes and reviews existing KiCad projects instead of generating or editing designs.
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
- No independent user voice found: recent issue and pull request activity is by the maintainer or automation bots.
- Pricing: none stated on the repo.
- A named individual builder beyond the repository owner handle rjwalters
Last verified November 6, 2026. Listings are informational. The evidence score measures public, verifiable evidence and is not an endorsement or a compatibility claim.