KiCad MCP Pro
MCP server for KiCad: schematics, PCBs, ERC and DRC checks, DFM and manufacturing prep from an agent
- 208 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
Extended access
Why this level
- In write profiles the agent changes the project schematic and board files
- Network mode opens the project to anyone who can reach the port
Install
- Works in
Manual install
uv tool install kicad-mcp-proThen `kicad-mcp-pro setup` and `kicad-mcp-pro doctor`.
Access and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- In write profiles the agent changes the project schematic and board files
- Network mode opens the project to anyone who can reach the port
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
The server gives an agent tools, resources and prompts for working in KiCad. By default a bounded `default` profile of 25 read-only tools is on: the agent reviews the schematic and board, runs ERC and DRC with KiCad own engines, analyzes the BOM and reads DFM findings. For edits there is a `build` profile with write mode, a `release` profile with human-gated manufacturing handoff and `expert` and `full` are reserved for trusted clients. Components are sourced from the public JLCPCB catalog and Nexar, DigiKey and Mouser connect when credentials are set. The server runs over stdio or Streamable HTTP, has a browser dashboard and telemetry is off by default. Install with `uv tool install kicad-mcp-pro` and the `kicad-mcp-pro setup` command.
Who it is for. Electronics engineers who lay out boards in KiCad and want an agent to check the schematic and board before sending to manufacturing.
Good fit when
- Before ordering a board the agent runs ERC and DRC and merges findings into one list
- A BOM is checked against the JLCPCB catalog for availability and substitutes
- A first pass over a project is needed: what is wrong with the schematic and where manufacturing issues lie
- The agent edits the board in the `build` profile while file release goes with a manual approval
- The project is opened through the Streamable HTTP server and its state is viewed in the browser dashboard
Not a fit when
- You need final sign-off: estimates are first-order and do not replace field and simulation analysis
- Work is in a different PCB CAD: the server is tied to KiCad
- Manual review of one board is enough: KiCad itself suffices
Example request
Run ERC and DRC for the project in `~/boards/sensor`, merge findings into a table and check the BOM against the JLCPCB catalogMCP
- Transport
- stdio, http
- Authentication
- not required
Limitations
This is a first-pass design and review assistant and not a sign-off authority: signal integrity, power integrity, EMC and thermal estimates are first-order, about 5 to 10 percent. Live component sourcing uses the public JLCPCB catalog and Nexar, DigiKey and Mouser need their own keys. The `default` profile is read-only and edits are enabled separately with write mode. The cloud remote mode cannot edit yet: it provides a project summary by permission. The uv manager and an installed KiCad are required.
How to disable. Remove the server in the client and the package with `uv tool uninstall kicad-mcp-pro`; take out settings written by `kicad-mcp-pro setup` from the client config.
FAQ
How do I install KiCad MCP Pro?
Run `uv tool install kicad-mcp-pro`, then `kicad-mcp-pro setup` and `kicad-mcp-pro doctor`. An npm wrapper with the same package name also exists.
How do I run the local HTTP server?
With `uvx kicad-mcp-pro --transport streamable-http --host 127.0.0.1 --port 3334` and the client URL `http://127.0.0.1:3334/mcp`. The dashboard opens with `uvx kicad-mcp-pro dashboard --open`.
What is on by default?
The `default` profile of 25 read-only tools. Edits need `build` with write mode and file release needs `release` with human approval.
Does the server replace analysis and simulation?
No. Signal integrity, power integrity, EMC and thermal estimates are first-order, around 5 to 10 percent, and fit a first-pass review.
Does the server send data out?
Telemetry and error reporting are off by default and the cloud mode is optional. Details are in `docs/privacy.md`.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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Comparison with similar tools
Cards that share the main search query, and how they differ.
| Tool | Official | Authentication | Repository stars | Main difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KiCad MCP Pro (this card) | no | not required | 208 | |
| KiCAD MCP Server | no | not required | 3,285 | another KiCad server; this one has access profiles, DFM checks and file release with approval |
| KiCad MCP Server | no | not required | 184 | the Seeed KiCad server; this one has its own profiles and a browser dashboard |
README in short
The README states the project limits, a package identity table and a quick start: local HTTP with a dashboard, installation through uv and an optional cloud mode for Windows. Then come profiles, documentation and the tool reference.