KiCAD

What is KiCAD?

KiCad is a free and open-source software suite used for electronic design automation (EDA). It allows users to create schematic diagrams and printed circuit board (PCB) layouts. It is widely used by hobbyists, engineers, and professionals for designing circuits and manufacturing PCBs.

Symbol Library

Footprint Library

Project

Schematic

PCB

Gerber

KiCad API

Checkout latest KiCad API documentation here and there

$ conda create -n kicad python=3.9
$ pip install kicad-python

Examples

Connect to KiCad

Make sure you have KiCad open and the API is enabled in the settings.

from kipy import KiCad

if __name__=='__main__':
    try:
        kicad = KiCad()
        print(f"Connected to KiCad {kicad.get_version()}")
    except BaseException as e:
        print(f"Not connected to KiCad: {e}")

Draw a Zone

from kipy import KiCad
from kipy.board_types import (
    BoardLayer,
    Zone
)
from kipy.common_types import PolygonWithHoles
from kipy.geometry import PolyLine, PolyLineNode
from kipy.util import from_mm

if __name__=='__main__':
    kicad = KiCad()
    board = kicad.get_board()

    outline = PolyLine()
    outline.append(PolyLineNode.from_xy(from_mm(100), from_mm(100)))
    outline.append(PolyLineNode.from_xy(from_mm(110), from_mm(100)))
    outline.append(PolyLineNode.from_xy(from_mm(110), from_mm(110)))
    outline.append(PolyLineNode.from_xy(from_mm(100), from_mm(110)))
    outline.append(PolyLineNode.from_xy(from_mm(100), from_mm(100)))
    polygon = PolygonWithHoles()
    polygon.outline = outline
    zone = Zone()
    zone.layers = [BoardLayer.BL_F_Cu, BoardLayer.BL_B_Cu]
    zone.outline = polygon
    board.create_items(zone)