Description
Designing a circuit board usually means a chain of separate tools: schematics in one, layout in another, export and re-import every time a footprint changes, and a third program to see the 3D result. KiCad puts all of that into one open-source suite and takes you from schematic to fabrication-ready Gerber files, with no license fee.
The schematic editor draws the circuit and runs electrical rules checks to catch floating pins and shorts early. The PCB editor handles multi-layer boards, differential routing and copper zones, then exports Gerber files for the fab. Halfway through, one click opens the 3D viewer so you can see component heights and clearances.
The installer is close to 1 GB because it bundles symbol, footprint and 3D model libraries, so this entry points to the official download page where you choose the installer or a portable build.
Schematic editor: Wires, buses and global labels, a built-in ERC check, and parts picked straight from the libraries.
PCB layout and routing: Multi-layer boards, vias, copper zones, arcs and polygons, with design rules set per net class.
3D viewer: Three-dimensional preview of the board and components for checking heights and enclosure fit.
Manufacturing output: Gerber, drill files and BOM, plus DSN and WRL exchange formats.
Component libraries: A large set of symbols, footprints and 3D models, and you can build your own.
The schematic editor draws the circuit and runs electrical rules checks to catch floating pins and shorts early. The PCB editor handles multi-layer boards, differential routing and copper zones, then exports Gerber files for the fab. Halfway through, one click opens the 3D viewer so you can see component heights and clearances.
The installer is close to 1 GB because it bundles symbol, footprint and 3D model libraries, so this entry points to the official download page where you choose the installer or a portable build.
Features
Schematic editor: Wires, buses and global labels, a built-in ERC check, and parts picked straight from the libraries.
PCB layout and routing: Multi-layer boards, vias, copper zones, arcs and polygons, with design rules set per net class.
3D viewer: Three-dimensional preview of the board and components for checking heights and enclosure fit.
Manufacturing output: Gerber, drill files and BOM, plus DSN and WRL exchange formats.
Component libraries: A large set of symbols, footprints and 3D models, and you can build your own.
