KiCAD
A Model Context Protocol server that enables interaction with KiCad electronic design projects, allowing users to list projects, analyze PCB designs, run design rule checks, and visualize PCB layouts through natural language.
What is KiCAD?
KiCAD is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to model context protocol server that enables interaction with kicad electronic design projects, allowing users to list projects, analyze pcb designs, run design rule checks, and visualize pcb layouts th...
A Model Context Protocol server that enables interaction with KiCad electronic design projects, allowing users to list projects, analyze PCB designs, run design rule checks, and visualize PCB layouts through natural language.
This server falls under the Developer Tools category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- A Model Context Protocol server that enables interaction wit
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
Manual Installation
npx kicad-mcp-serverConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use KiCAD
KiCAD MCP Server enables interaction with KiCAD electronic design projects through natural language. Connect it to Claude to analyze PCB designs, run design rule checks, visualize layouts, and automate electronic design workflows.
Prerequisites
- KiCAD installed on your system
- Node.js 18+ installed
- An MCP client such as Claude Desktop or Cursor
- KiCAD projects (.kicad_sch, .kicad_pcb files)
Install KiCAD MCP Server
Install the server using npx.
npx kicad-mcp-serverVerify KiCAD Installation
Ensure KiCAD is installed and accessible. The server will interact with KiCAD project files.
Register with Your MCP Client
Add the server to your claude_desktop_config.json.
{
"mcpServers": {
"kicad-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["kicad-mcp-server"]
}
}
}Point to Your KiCAD Projects Directory
Configure the server to access your KiCAD project directory. Update environment variables or configuration files as needed.
Restart Your MCP Client
Restart Claude Desktop or your MCP client.
Test PCB Analysis
Ask Claude to list available KiCAD projects or analyze a PCB layout. Verify the server can access your projects.
KiCAD Examples
Client Configuration Example
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json mcpServers section.
{
"mcpServers": {
"kicad-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["kicad-mcp-server"]
}
}
}Prompts to Try
Use these prompts to interact with KiCAD projects through Claude.
- List all my KiCAD projects.
- Analyze the PCB layout for [project-name] and identify potential issues.
- Run a design rule check on [project-name].
- Visualize the schematic for [component-name].Troubleshooting KiCAD
KiCAD MCP server cannot find or access projects
Verify the KiCAD projects directory is correctly configured. Ensure KiCAD project files (.kicad_sch, .kicad_pcb) are in the specified location. Check file permissions.
Design rule check fails or returns errors
Ensure KiCAD is installed and accessible from the command line. Verify the project file is valid and not corrupted. Check KiCAD version compatibility.
PCB visualization or analysis not working
Confirm the project file contains a PCB layout. Verify the required KiCAD libraries are installed. Check that the server has read permissions for the project files.
Frequently Asked Questions about KiCAD
What is KiCAD?
KiCAD is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that model context protocol server that enables interaction with kicad electronic design projects, allowing users to list projects, analyze pcb designs, run design rule checks, and visualize pcb layouts through natural language. It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install KiCAD?
Follow the installation instructions on the KiCAD GitHub repository. Clone the repo, install dependencies, and add the server config to your AI client.
Which AI clients work with KiCAD?
KiCAD works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is KiCAD free to use?
Yes, KiCAD is open source and available under the MIT License license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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Browse More Developer Tools MCP Servers
Explore all developer tools servers available in the MCPgee directory. Each server includes setup guides for Claude, Cursor, and VS Code.
Set Up KiCAD in Your Editor
Choose your AI client for step-by-step setup instructions.
Quick Config Preview
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json
Ready to use KiCAD?
Browse our complete directory of 33,000+ MCP servers, read setup guides for your editor, and start building with the Model Context Protocol.