Last updated on
Ratings
KiCad EDA description
KiCad EDA is a free, open-source software suite used for designing electronics. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for creating circuit diagrams, managing component libraries, and designing printed circuit boards (PCBs). KiCad is notable for being completely free to use, modify, and distribute, making it popular with both individual hobbyists and companies. The software can handle complex designs and includes features for 3D visualization and generating manufacturing files.
Who is KiCad EDA best for
KiCad EDA is a free, open-source electronics design software ideal for hobbyists, students, and small businesses. Users praise its cross-platform compatibility, user-friendly schematic capture, and integrated 3D viewer. However, some find the component libraries limited and the learning curve for advanced features steep. Despite occasional bugs, its accessibility and active community make it a valuable tool for PCB design.
-
Best for small businesses (1-100 employees), good fit for medium businesses (101-1000).
-
Well-suited for Manufacturing, Education, and Software/IT/Telecommunications.
KiCad EDA features
Supported KiCad's advanced circuit layout software, Pcbnew, allows for transforming circuits in real-time while adhering to DRC constraints and existing circuitry. |
Supported Eeschema provides advanced hierarchical schematic capture capabilities without any artificial limitations on sheet count. |
Supported KiCad's integrated LibEdit component editor enables library creation and management, leveraging a built-in library of 14,000 components. |
Supported KiCad supports real-time 3D visualization of circuit boards during editing, compatible with STEP, IGES, and VRML model files, and includes a built-in raytracing engine for generating high-quality images. |
Supported KiCad's export engine supports Gerber, Gerber-X2, footprint X/Y/Rotation data, and IPC-D-356 netlists, ensuring compatibility with manufacturing processes. |
Supported KiCad allows for circuit simulation during the design phase. |
Supported KiPro offers professional support services, including usage support, bug fixes, and priority development based on subscriber needs. |
We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software
Ease of Use
KiCad EDA reviews
We've summarised 63 KiCad EDA reviews (KiCad EDA G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.
- Free and open-source, making it accessible to hobbyists and startups.
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- User-friendly interface for schematic capture.
- Integrated 3D viewer for PCB visualization.
- Active community and readily available online resources.
- Limited component libraries, often outdated, requiring manual creation or conversion.
- Lack of built-in auto-routing functionality necessitates third-party tools.
- Occasional bugs and glitches, especially with grid and layer management.
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and footprint creation.
- Inconsistent performance, occasional slowdowns or crashes, especially with larger projects.
KiCad EDA pricing
The commentary is based on 8 reviews from KiCad EDA G2 reviews.
KiCad EDA is free and open-source, making it a popular choice for hobbyists, students, and startups seeking a cost-effective PCB design solution. Users highlight its affordability compared to expensive commercial alternatives.
Users sentiment
See the KiCad EDA pricing page.
-
KiCad EDA has a free plan.
KiCad EDA alternatives
Allegro PCB DesignerPowerful PCB design tool for flawless electronics, simple to complex.Read more
KiCad EDA FAQ
KiCad EDA is a free and open-source software suite for electronic design automation (EDA). It provides tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, 3D visualization, and generating manufacturing files. KiCad is popular among hobbyists and professionals for its comprehensive features and cross-platform compatibility.
What is KiCad EDA and what does KiCad EDA do?
KiCad EDA is a free and open-source software suite for electronic design automation (EDA). It provides tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, 3D visualization, and generating manufacturing files. KiCad is popular among hobbyists and professionals for its comprehensive features and cross-platform compatibility.
KiCad EDA integrates with other tools through its support for various file formats. It exports Gerber files for manufacturing, and STEP, IGES, and VRML models for 3D visualization. For circuit simulation, KiCad can interface with external simulators. It leverages external tools for auto-routing functionality.
How does KiCad EDA integrate with other tools?
KiCad EDA integrates with other tools through its support for various file formats. It exports Gerber files for manufacturing, and STEP, IGES, and VRML models for 3D visualization. For circuit simulation, KiCad can interface with external simulators. It leverages external tools for auto-routing functionality.
Key competitors to KiCad EDA include Altium Designer and Altium CircuitMaker, especially for PCB design. Other alternatives, like SOLIDWORKS and AutoCAD, offer broader design capabilities but may not be as specialized for electronics. Onshape provides cloud-based collaborative modeling, while Ares Commander focuses on DWG compatibility.
What the main competitors of KiCad EDA?
Key competitors to KiCad EDA include Altium Designer and Altium CircuitMaker, especially for PCB design. Other alternatives, like SOLIDWORKS and AutoCAD, offer broader design capabilities but may not be as specialized for electronics. Onshape provides cloud-based collaborative modeling, while Ares Commander focuses on DWG compatibility.
Yes, KiCad EDA is safe and legitimate. It's a popular, free, and open-source electronics design software trusted by hobbyists and professionals alike. It boasts cross-platform compatibility, a user-friendly interface, and an active online community for support.
Is KiCad EDA legit?
Yes, KiCad EDA is safe and legitimate. It's a popular, free, and open-source electronics design software trusted by hobbyists and professionals alike. It boasts cross-platform compatibility, a user-friendly interface, and an active online community for support.
KiCad EDA is open-source, so it's free to download and use. There are no paid plans or add-ons for this electronic design automation software. This makes it a very cost-effective EDA product.
How much does KiCad EDA cost?
KiCad EDA is open-source, so it's free to download and use. There are no paid plans or add-ons for this electronic design automation software. This makes it a very cost-effective EDA product.
There is no information available about KiCad EDA's customer service quality. However, it has an active online community and readily available resources which may be helpful for users seeking assistance.
Is KiCad EDA customer service good?
There is no information available about KiCad EDA's customer service quality. However, it has an active online community and readily available resources which may be helpful for users seeking assistance.
Reviewed by
Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.
Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.
An AI tool that observes your work, finds inefficiencies, and suggests smarter ways to do things. Maybe you can use your tools better, automate tasks, or switch software.