KiCad is open-source software for drawing electronic schematics, designing printed circuit boards and viewing them in 3D.

kicad.org
KiCad homepage screenshot

About KiCad

KiCad is an electronics design application for schematic capture and printed circuit board layout, offered for Windows, macOS and Linux. The schematic editor handles everything from basic schematics to hierarchical designs with hundreds of sheets, and users can draw custom symbols or work from the official KiCad library. Designs can be verified with an integrated SPICE simulator and electrical rules checker. The PCB editor provides an interactive router plus visualization and selection tools, and a 3D viewer shows mechanical fit and can render realistic images with a built-in raytracer and customizable lighting. The homepage describes the software as open source and forever free.

Key features

  • Schematic editor supporting basic through hierarchical designs with hundreds of sheets
  • Custom symbol creation or symbols from the official KiCad library
  • Integrated SPICE simulator and electrical rules checker for design verification
  • PCB editor with interactive router and improved visualization and selection tools
  • 3D viewer for checking mechanical fit and previewing finished products
  • Built-in raytracer with customizable lighting for realistic rendered images
Best for: Electronics hobbyists and engineers who need cross-platform schematic capture and PCB layout software.
Good for
  • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
  • Homepage describes the software as open source and free to use
  • Schematic editor scales from simple designs to complex hierarchical ones
Watch out for
  • No pricing tiers, licensing terms or usage limits are detailed on the homepage
  • Only brief feature descriptions are given; system requirements are not listed

KiCad at a glance

Website
kicad.org
Type
Website
Pricing
Not confirmed. Check the site
Platforms
Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
Open source
Not stated
Language
English
Last checked
Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
Listed
Oct 5, 2026

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KiCad FAQ

What can KiCad be used for?
Drawing electronic schematics, designing printed circuit boards, and viewing boards in 3D.
Which operating systems does KiCad support?
Windows, macOS and Linux.
Can designs be verified within KiCad?
The schematic editor includes an integrated SPICE simulator and an electrical rules checker.
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