Linux · Science & Education
KiCAD
KiCad is a free, open‑source EDA suite for schematic capture, PCB layout, simulation and 3D rendering.
- License
- GPL-3.0-or-later
- Latest version
- 10.0.7 (November 11, 2011)
- Developer
- The KiCad Developers
- Installs
- 72,017 (Flathub, 30 days)
What is KiCAD?
KiCad began in 2001 as a hobbyist project and has grown into a mature, community‑driven tool used by hobbyists and professionals alike. It replaces commercial Windows EDA packages such as EAGLE, OrCAD and P‑CAD by offering a fully integrated environment that runs on Linux, Windows and macOS.
The suite is aimed at engineers, makers and educators who need a cost‑free solution for designing electronic circuits and PCBs. It supports thousands of component libraries, native Gerber export and SPICE simulation.
Compared with the Windows tools, KiCad feels more lightweight and scriptable. Its interface is less polished but highly configurable, and it lacks some of the proprietary plug‑ins found in EAGLE or OrCAD. However, it offers comparable functionality without licensing fees.
Best for: Designing hobbyist and professional PCBs when a free, cross‑platform solution is required.
Key features of KiCAD
- Schematic capture with hierarchical sheets
- PCB layout with auto‑routing and manual editing
- Integrated ngspice simulation
- 3D preview of PCB and components
- Gerber, ODB++ and IPC‑2581 export
- Bill of Materials generation
- Component library with thousands of symbols and footprints
- Cross‑platform installation via Flatpak, DEB, RPM
Pros
- Free and open source, no licensing costs
- Large, active community and frequent updates
- Rich set of features comparable to paid tools
- Cross‑platform consistency
- Good integration with 3D rendering and simulation
Cons
- Learning curve for new users
- Interface can feel dated compared to commercial UI
- Limited advanced simulation options compared to dedicated tools
- Occasional bugs in complex designs
Windows programs KiCAD replaces
EAGLE
OrCAD
P-CADHow to install KiCAD on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.kicad.KiCadsudo apt install kicadsudo apt install kicadsudo dnf install kicadsudo pacman -S kicad-demossudo zypper install kicadTips for Windows users
When moving from EAGLE or OrCAD, export schematics as PDF or DXF and import into KiCad’s schematic editor. Use the built‑in library manager to add symbols and footprints; many common parts are already available. KiCad’s shortcut set differs: for example, ‘Ctrl+R’ starts the router, and ‘Ctrl+Shift+L’ toggles the layer stack. Workflow shifts from a single‑file environment to separate schematic and PCB files, so keep a clear folder structure. The Gerber export options are identical to those in Windows tools, easing the transition for manufacturing.
Recent releases
- 10.0.7 —
KiCAD: frequently asked questions
Can KiCad import EAGLE files?
Yes, KiCad can import EAGLE .brd and .sch files via the KiCad EAGLE Importer plugin, though complex designs may need manual cleanup.
Is KiCad suitable for professional PCB design?
Absolutely. Many companies use KiCad for production designs; it supports industry‑standard Gerber, ODB++ and IPC‑2581 outputs.
How do I add a custom component?
Use the library editor to create a new symbol or footprint, or import from the KiCad library repository. Then add it to your project via the component picker.
Does KiCad support 3D printing of PCBs?
Yes, the 3D preview can export STL files of the board and components for 3D printing or CNC machining.
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