KiCad
KiCad is a free, open-source CAD and 3D modelling app for Windows, macOS and Linux. KiCad is an electronics design suite for drawing schematics and laying out printed circuit boards (PCBs), with a 3D viewer. It has 3,081 GitHub stars and is released under the GPL-3.0 license, and people use it instead of Altium Designer and Autodesk Eagle.
github.com/KiCad/kicad-source-mirror (opens in a new tab)
Data as of from the GitHub API; description from the project's repository. Report an error
- Official
- Linux
- macOS
- Windows
- CAD & 3D modelling
- Active
About KiCad
KiCad is a free electronics design automation (EDA) suite for Windows, macOS and Linux. It covers schematic capture, PCB layout with a push-and-shove router, a 3D board viewer and Gerber export for manufacturing. The GitHub repository mirrors the development branch hosted on GitLab.
Replaces
Commercial software people commonly use KiCad instead of.
- Altium Designer
- Autodesk Eagle
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Is KiCad free and open source?
Yes. KiCad's source code is public on GitHub under the GPL-3.0 license, which is OSI-approved or FSF-free, so you can use, copy and change it for free.
How do I install KiCad?
Download the installer for Windows, macOS and Linux from its GitHub Releases page (latest: 10.0.7) or the project website.
Can KiCad replace Altium Designer?
KiCad is commonly used as a free alternative to Altium Designer and Autodesk Eagle. Features differ, so check that it opens the file formats and covers the workflows you rely on before switching.