A Cross Platform and Open Source Electronics Design Automation Suite

KiCad

KiCad

  -  1 GB  -  Open Source
  • Latest Version

    KiCad 9.0.5 LATEST

  • Review by

    Sophia Jones

  • Operating System

    Windows 8 (64-bit) / Windows 10 (64-bit) / Windows 11

  • User Rating

    Click to vote
  • Author / Product

    KiCad Team / External Link

  • Filename

    kicad-9.0.5-x86_64.exe

KiCad is an open-source electronic design automation (EDA) software suite used for creating schematics, printed circuit board (PCB) layouts, and more.

KiCad Screenshot 1

Initially developed in 1992 by Jean-Pierre Charras, KiCad for PC has evolved significantly over the years, becoming one of the most popular tools for electronics hobbyists, engineers, and professionals alike.

Its robust feature set, combined with its open-source nature, makes it a versatile choice for PCB design, capable of handling both small-scale and complex projects.

Main Features

Schematic Capture

KiCad's Eeschema module allows users to create complex circuit schematics with ease. It includes a wide range of components and supports custom symbols. Users can easily create and manage hierarchical designs, which is particularly useful for large projects.

PCB Layout

The PCBNew module is where the magic happens for PCB design. It supports multi-layer boards, differential pair routing, and high-speed design. The interactive routing tool offers real-time design rule checking, ensuring that your design is manufacturable.

3D Viewer

It includes a powerful 3D viewer that lets you visualize your PCB in a 3D space. This feature helps in understanding the placement of components and verifying the physical layout before manufacturing.

Library Management

It provides extensive libraries of components, footprints, and symbols. It also allows users to create and manage their own libraries, ensuring that you have the exact parts you need for your design.

SPICE Simulation

This program integrates with Ngspice for circuit simulation, allowing you to test your circuits before building them physically. This feature is invaluable for verifying the functionality of your design.

User Interface

KiCad’s user interface is clean and functional, though it may seem a bit overwhelming to beginners due to the vast array of tools and features available.

KiCad Screenshot 2

The interface is divided into different modules—Eeschema for schematic capture, PCBNew for PCB layout, and more—each with its own set of tools and options.

The learning curve can be steep, but once familiar with the interface, users will find it highly efficient and customizable. It supports multiple windows and tabs, allowing for easy navigation between different parts of a project.

Installation and Setup

Download: Visit the official website or FileHorse and download the installer for your operating system.

Installation: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. The installation process typically takes a few minutes, depending on your system.

Initial Setup: Upon first launch, it prompts you to configure the default libraries and settings. This step is crucial as it ensures you have all the necessary components and tools available.

Getting Started: It offers a range of tutorials and documentation to help you get started. It’s recommended to go through these resources to familiarize yourself with the software.

KiCad Screenshot 3

How to Use
  • Create a Project: Start by creating a new project. It organizes everything into a project directory, making it easy to manage files.
  • Schematic Design: Use the Eeschema module to create your circuit schematic. Add components from the library, connect them using wires, and assign footprints to each component.
  • PCB Layout: Once your schematic is complete, switch to PCBNew to start laying out your PCB. Import the netlist from Eeschema and place your components on the board. Use the routing tools to connect the components.
  • 3D Visualization: Use the 3D viewer to check your PCB layout in a three-dimensional space. This step is essential for ensuring the physical design meets your expectations.
  • Manufacturing Files: Generate Gerber files and other necessary manufacturing files from PCBNew. These files are what you will send to your PCB manufacturer.
FAQ

Is KiCad suitable for professional use?
Yes, this program is widely used by professionals for commercial projects. Its feature set is robust enough to handle complex designs, and being open-source, it receives continuous improvements from the community.

Can I import projects from other EDA tools into KiCad?
It supports importing designs from other EDA tools like Eagle. However, the import process might require some adjustments to ensure compatibility.

Does KiCad have simulation capabilities?
Yes, it integrates with Ngspice for SPICE-based circuit simulation. This feature allows you to simulate and verify your circuits before building them.

Is there a limit to the size or complexity of a project in KiCad?
No, the app does not impose any artificial limits on the size or complexity of your project. It can handle multi-layer boards, high pin-count components, and large designs.

How can I learn KiCad efficiently?
The community offers extensive documentation, tutorials, and forums. Additionally, there are many video tutorials available online that can help you learn the software quickly.

Alternatives

Eagle: A popular EDA tool by Autodesk, Eagle offers similar functionality but comes with a steeper price tag and limitations on board size in the free version.

Altium Designer: Altium is a high-end EDA tool used by professionals in the industry.

Fritzing: Fritzing is an open-source tool designed for beginners and hobbyists.

LTspice: Fast, and free SPICE simulator software, schematic capture and waveform viewer.

Pricing

This software is completely FREE and open-source, with no restrictions on its use.

This makes it an attractive option for both hobbyists and professionals who need powerful PCB design software without the high cost.

System Requirements
  • Operating System: Windows 11, 10, 8 or 7
  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM minimum (4 GB or more recommended)
  • Storage: 2 GB of available disk space
  • Graphics: OpenGL 2.1 or higher-compatible graphics card
PROS
  • Free and open-source
  • Robust feature set for professional use
  • Multi-platform support
  • Extensive community resources
CONS
  • User interface can be overwhelming at first
  • Occasional bugs and glitches
Conclusion

KiCad is a powerful and versatile EDA tool that is well-suited for both beginners and professionals. Its open-source nature, combined with a comprehensive feature set, makes it an excellent choice for PCB design.

While it has a learning curve, the benefits of using this program far outweigh the initial challenges. Whether you’re working on a small hobby project or a complex commercial design, it provides all the tools you need to bring your ideas to life.

Also Available: KiCad for Mac

Why is this app published on FileHorse? (More info)
  • KiCad 9.0.5 Screenshots

    The images below have been resized. Click on them to view the screenshots in full size.

    KiCad 9.0.5 Screenshot 1
  • KiCad 9.0.5 Screenshot 2
  • KiCad 9.0.5 Screenshot 3

What's new in this version:

General:
- Improve algorithm to calculate arcs
- Disable I-beam cursor setting for search fields on non-macOS platforms
- Do not clear ERC/DRC errors when deleting all markers
- Show errors before warnings in DRC/ERC
- Fix properties manager <Enter> key iteration ordering
- Allow deletion of nested embedded files
- Ensure reporter object indicates that any message got reported
- Prevent assertion when clearing grid rows ( Sentry KICAD-VM1)
- Prevent read only autosave error from popping up multiple warning dialogs
- Prevent main KiCad window from expanding based on DPI events
- Use combo-boxes for units in properties panel

Schematic Editor:
- Fix crash when navigating legacy schematic
- Prevent assertion due to missing commit screen object (Sentry KICAD-YKY)
- Fix hanging when updating symbols after loading legacy schematic with missing symbols
- Expose shape in property inspector for sheet pins
- Update power filter for power symbols placement
- Properly handled exception when attempting to add a database library using latest MariaDB connector
- Support multiple footprints in HTTP libraries
- Prevent invalid warning when updating other fields in schematic from PCB
- Fix broken connectivity with label at the intersection of two nets
- Fix broken intersheet wiring on root schematic that temporarily breaks the netlist
- Use combo-box for alternate body style in properties panel
- Update properties to show units
- Prevent graphic lines from drawing on netclass layers
- Unify sheet name validators and apply to properties
- Fix crash when adding text
- Fix broken rotation during multi-label input

Symbol Editor:
- Snap new pin to grid without requiring mouse movement
- Show inherited fields in derived symbols
- Fix crash when reducing the symbol unit count
- Fix broken symbol field position
- Fix incorrect handling of vertical position of fields in the library symbol properties dialog

Board Editor:
- Make enabling import teardrop checkbox in the "Import Settings" dialog enable the import button
- Fix issue with filled hole when PDF plotting drill marks using SWIG API
- Fix bug in private layer selection
- Fix crash in STEP export (Sentry KICAD-V8A)
- Remove unnecessary newlines in STEP exporter logging
- Fix occasional failure to select for dragging
- Fix reference designator ordering in arrays
- Inline drag by track end even if cursor is slightly outside the track shape
- Add green color indication to length tuning status popup
- Place component shape and marking on F_Fab on EasyEDA import
- Build basic courtyard for footprints on EasyEDA import
- Add footprint reference text on F_Fab layer on EasyEDA import
- Fix ODB++ export path creation
- Avoid creating duplicate entries in embedded file list when embedding fonts
- Don’t show locked shadow in pad preview
- Prevent divide by zero error in footprint coverage ratio calculation
- Don’t double mirror groups
- Properly save and load violation severity 'Drilled hole too close to other hole'
- Improve performance of via place tool
- Fix snapping sensitivity issue of via placement with large grids
- Fix teardrop generation for pads having different shapes by layer
- Improve pad hit testing
- Do not generate unnecessary remove extra fields warnings when updating from schematic
- Fix crash when generating DRC report
- Add separate front and back silk screen and solder mask colors for STEP export
- Fix STEP export broken wire self interference using custom pad shape on bottom side or board
- Prevent redraw flicker when snapping to grid
- Fix center dimension drawing issue
- Allow removing solder paste relative clearance in footprint properties dialog
- Improve file stability when saving tables
- Prevent crash using net ties with invalid layers
- Prevent pads from moving unexpectedly when footprint is locked
- Fix crash on right mouse button click in grid origin tool
- Disable snap when moving with keyboard
- Allow stitching of graphic shapes
- Set free vias to graphic net if available
- Footprint library parity DRC warning when closing pad properties dialog with no changes
- Fix custom design rules in project with overlapping courtyards
- Fix broken behavior for deprecated Gerber commands IPPOS and IPNEG
- Fix crash when unfilling all zones (Ctrl+B)
- Don’t find footprints that have already been deleted
- Only namespace components and layers when necessary when exporting IPC-2581
- Make move tool obey snap settings
- Prevent assertions on tuning pattern layer change
- Allow custom rule wildcard matching for netclass naming
- Prevent PNS length calculations from being confused by overlapping tracks
- Improve display of measurement tool ruler at screen-edges
- Allow solder mask bridging between net tie items
- Add embed option to file dialog for 3D models
- Correctly allow multiple pads with single pin in IPC-2581 export
- Improve IPC-2581 export error and warning messages
- Fix broken creepage DRC text with components on different layers
- 45 and 90 degree corner modes produce unnecessary parallel track and break when routing
- Space vias to account for hole to hole spacing when routing differential pairs
- Improve zoom and pan performance with many through hole pads
- Maintain group membership when shoving tracks
- Check tracks exiting pads for gaps in differential pair DRC
- Fix broken net assignment in Eagle import
- Fix zone fill chessboard pattern
- Make expand connection respect the selection filter
- Make properties panel obey free pads setting
- Consider visibility when colliding in DRC
- Prevent modifying teardrops on lock/unlock
- Add vertical scroll bars to generate rule areas dialog
- Correct save footprint chooser settings to prevent unexpected tree expansions
- Fix missing colors when exporting STEP models

Footprint Editor:
- Show embed 3D model immediately
- Prevent stale names in footprint browser

3D Viewer:
- Remove noise from orthographic projection ray tracing
- Command Line Interfac
- Prevent jobs from affecting each other via reporters when running job sets from CLI
- Prevent help option from failing erroneously

Job Sets:
- Wrap command text control in execute command job dialog
- Record execute command job input and error streams in the log
- Increase default precision in ODB++ export job dialog
- Add --follow-pcb and --follow-plot-settings options to render job settings
- Fix incorrect inner layer links for GERBER jobs
- Fix "Replace" button to overwrite existing files
- Fix exporting CADSTAR netlist
- Ensure archives defined without extension are given ".zip" extension
- Make ERC/DRC jobs default to fail on violation
- Skip missing 3D models with warning when exporting VRML

API:
- Add ability to set enabled board layers and copper layer count

Windows:
- Display the number of GDI objects in "About" dialog
- Don’t convert URI slashes to backslashes when embedding drawing sheet fil