kicad-pcbAutomate PCB design with KiCad. Create schematics, design boards, export Gerbers, order from PCBWay. Full design-to-manufacturing pipeline.
Install via ClawdBot CLI:
clawdbot install G0HEAD/kicad-pcbDesign ā Prototype ā Manufacture
Automate PCB design workflows using KiCad. From natural language circuit descriptions to manufacturing-ready Gerber files.
# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kicad/kicad-8.0-releases
sudo apt update
sudo apt install kicad
# Verify CLI
kicad-cli --version
pip install pillow cairosvg
# 1. Create a new project
python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py new "LED Blinker" --description "555 timer LED blinker circuit"
# 2. Add components to schematic
python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py add-component NE555 U1
python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py add-component LED D1
python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py add-component "R 1K" R1 R2
# 3. Generate schematic preview (for review)
python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py preview-schematic
# 4. Run design rule check
python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py drc
# 5. Export manufacturing files
python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py export-gerbers
# 6. Prepare PCBWay order
python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py pcbway-quote --quantity 5
| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| new | Create new KiCad project |
| open | Open existing project |
| info | Show current project info |
| list-projects | List recent projects |
| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| add-component | Add component to schematic |
| connect | Wire components together |
| add-net | Create named net |
| preview-schematic | Generate schematic image |
| erc | Run electrical rules check |
| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| import-netlist | Import schematic to PCB |
| auto-place | Auto-place components |
| auto-route | Auto-route traces |
| set-board-size | Set board dimensions (mm) |
| preview-pcb | Generate PCB preview images |
| drc | Run design rules check |
| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| export-gerbers | Export Gerber files |
| export-drill | Export drill files |
| export-bom | Export bill of materials |
| export-pos | Export pick-and-place file |
| export-3d | Export 3D model (STEP/GLB) |
| package-for-fab | Create ZIP with all files |
| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| pcbway-quote | Get instant quote |
| pcbway-upload | Upload Gerbers to PCBWay |
| pcbway-cart | Add to cart (requires auth) |
Tell me what you want to build:
"I need a simple 555 timer circuit that blinks an LED at about 1Hz.
Should run on 9V battery, through-hole components for easy soldering."
# Create project
kicad_pcb.py new "LED_Blinker_555"
# Add components based on description
kicad_pcb.py from-description "555 timer LED blinker, 1Hz, 9V battery"
I'll show you:
You confirm or request changes.
# Import to PCB
kicad_pcb.py import-netlist
# Auto-layout (or manual guidance)
kicad_pcb.py auto-place --strategy compact
kicad_pcb.py set-board-size 50x30
# Preview
kicad_pcb.py preview-pcb --layers F.Cu,B.Cu,F.Silkscreen
# Run final checks
kicad_pcb.py drc --strict
# Export everything
kicad_pcb.py package-for-fab --output LED_Blinker_fab.zip
# Get quote
kicad_pcb.py pcbway-quote --quantity 10 --layers 2 --thickness 1.6
Classic 555 timer in astable mode. Parameters:
Arduino Uno shield template with:
USB-C power delivery (5V):
Create ~/.kicad-pcb/config.json:
{
"default_fab": "pcbway",
"pcbway": {
"email": "your@email.com",
"default_options": {
"layers": 2,
"thickness": 1.6,
"color": "green",
"surface_finish": "hasl"
}
},
"kicad_path": "/usr/bin/kicad-cli",
"projects_dir": "~/kicad-projects",
"auto_backup": true
}
Before ordering, I'll always:
I will NOT auto-order without explicit confirmation.
PCBWay typical pricing (2-layer, 100x100mm, qty 5):
ā ļø High Voltage Warning: This skill does not validate electrical safety. For mains-connected circuits, consult a qualified engineer.
ā ļø No Auto-Order (Yet): Cart placement requires your explicit confirmation.
Built by PaxSwarm
Generated Feb 24, 2026
Hobbyists can quickly turn circuit ideas into physical PCBs by describing circuits in natural language, automating schematic creation, layout, and generating manufacturing files. This reduces the learning curve for KiCad and speeds up the design-to-prototype cycle for personal electronics projects like LED blinkers or Arduino shields.
Instructors use this skill to automate PCB design for students in workshops or courses, allowing them to focus on circuit theory rather than manual CAD tools. It generates schematics, runs checks, and exports files for fabrication, making hands-on learning more accessible and efficient.
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