KiCAD-MCP-Server

Translates conversational natural language requests into executable KiCAD operations through a TypeScript MCP server that parses intent and routes to domain-specific Python command handlers. Uses a tool router pattern that maps semantic requests to structured KiCAD API calls, maintaining full context of the design state across multi-step operations. The system bridges Claude/LLM conversation semantics with KiCAD's programmatic Python interface (pcbnew module).

Enables creation and manipulation of electronic schematics through natural language commands that invoke SchematicManager and ComponentManager modules. Supports adding components from KiCAD symbol libraries, wiring connections between pins, and managing electrical nets. Uses the kicad-skip library for schematic file manipulation and pcbnew's Python API to interact with KiCAD's internal schematic representation, allowing atomic operations like component placement, rotation, and alignment.

Implements the Model Context Protocol (MCP) specification as a TypeScript/Node.js server that enables LLM clients to discover and invoke KiCAD tools. Uses a tool registration system that exposes KiCAD capabilities as MCP tools with JSON schemas defining input/output contracts. The server handles MCP protocol messages, tool invocation routing, and response serialization, enabling Claude and other MCP-aware LLMs to interact with KiCAD through standardized tool-calling interfaces.

Establishes inter-process communication (IPC) between the TypeScript MCP server and Python KiCAD interface through a message-passing protocol. Handles serialization of command requests and responses, manages process lifecycle of the Python backend, and provides error handling for IPC failures. Uses standard IPC mechanisms (pipes, sockets, or stdio) to enable the Node.js server to invoke Python commands and receive results, maintaining separation of concerns between protocol handling and KiCAD operations.

Provides platform-specific setup and configuration for Linux, macOS, and Windows through automated installation scripts and platform detection. Handles KiCAD installation verification, Python environment setup, Node.js dependency installation, and MCP client configuration. Includes Windows-specific automated setup script that handles PATH configuration and environment variable setup, enabling consistent deployment across operating systems.

Manages PCB board geometry, layer configuration, and design rules through Board command modules that interface with pcbnew's board representation. Supports setting board dimensions, creating board outlines, managing copper/signal/ground layers, and configuring design rule parameters (trace width, clearance, via size). Operates on KiCAD's internal board object model, allowing programmatic manipulation of layer stacks and design constraints that would normally require GUI dialogs.

Automates PCB trace routing and via placement through Routing command modules that interface with pcbnew's routing engine. Supports creating copper traces between net points, placing vias for layer transitions, managing copper pours (flood fills), and configuring trace width/clearance per net class. Uses pcbnew's native routing API to create electrical connections on the board, with support for design rule compliance checking during routing operations.

Generates manufacturing-ready outputs including Gerber files, PDFs, SVG exports, and 3D model representations through Export command modules. Uses Pillow for board image rendering and cairosvg for SVG conversion, interfacing with pcbnew's export API to generate standard manufacturing formats. Supports layer-specific exports (copper, silkscreen, solder mask) and 3D visualization for design review and manufacturing handoff.

Performs electrical and manufacturing design rule checks (DRC) on schematics and PCB layouts through Design Rules command modules that invoke pcbnew's DRC engine. Validates trace width, clearance, via size, electrical connectivity, unconnected nets, and manufacturing constraints. Returns structured violation reports that identify specific design issues with location and severity, enabling automated design validation and quality gates.

Manages KiCAD symbol libraries and component mappings through LibraryManager module that interfaces with pcbnew's library API. Supports querying available symbols, mapping components to library symbols, managing symbol properties and footprints, and resolving component references. Uses KiCAD's library search and caching mechanisms to enable fast component lookups and automated symbol assignment during schematic generation.

Manages KiCAD project creation, opening, saving, and file operations through ProjectCommands module that handles project initialization and persistence. Supports creating new projects with specified templates, opening existing projects, saving designs with version control integration, and managing project metadata. Uses file system operations and KiCAD's project file format to enable programmatic project management without GUI interaction.

Manages electrical nets and connections between schematic components through ConnectionManager module that creates and validates wiring relationships. Supports creating nets by connecting component pins, managing net names and properties, validating electrical connectivity, and detecting unconnected nets. Uses pcbnew's net representation to maintain electrical relationships between schematic and board designs, enabling automated circuit topology creation.

Integrates with JLCPCB's parts database through JLCPCB Integration module that enables component sourcing and availability checking. Supports querying JLCPCB's component catalog, checking part availability and pricing, managing component mappings to JLCPCB part numbers, and generating assembly files compatible with JLCPCB's manufacturing process. Uses API clients to interface with JLCPCB's database and assembly file formats.