KiCad for Mac

KiCad for Mac is an open-source software suite for Electronic Design Automation (EDA). The programs handle Schematic Capture and PCB Layout with Gerber output.

The suite runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS and is licensed under GNU GPL v3. The first release date was in 1992 by its original author, Jean-Pierre Charras, but is now currently under development by the KiCad Developers Team.

Schematic Capture

With the schematic editor, you can create your design without limit; there are no paywalls to unlock features. An official library for schematic symbols and a built-in schematic symbol editor help you get started quickly with your designs. Schematic capture is efficient, with all the tools you can expect for such a task.

The interface focuses on productivity. There are no complexity limits, as large designs can be divided into hierarchical subsheets. Various export options are available (PDF, SVG, HPGL, Postscript).

PCB Layout

Make professional PCB layouts with up to 32 copper layers. KiCad for macOS now has a push and shove router which is capable of routing differential pairs and interactively tuning trace lengths.

This modern tool will help you layout your board faster. As you draw your track, it pushes forward traces that are in the way. If that is not possible, your track will be rerouted around obstacles. The push and shove router will make sure that your DRC constraints are respected.

3D Viewer

Ki Cad for macOS includes a 3D viewer that you can use to inspect your design in an interactive canvas. You can rotate and pan around to inspect details that are difficult to inspect on a 2D view.

Multiple rendering options allow you to modify the aesthetic appearance of the board or to hide and show features for easier inspection. When laying out your PCB, you can instantly inspect your design in an interactive 3D view. Rotate and pan around to inspect details easier than with a 2D display.

Features and Highlights

• Electrical Rules Check
• Export Netlists
• Bill Of Materials
• Integrated libraries
• Push and shove router
• Length tuning
• Footprint Editor (GAL)

How to Use

• Install by dragging KiCad to Applications folder
• Launch the app and choose a project workspace
• Create a new schematic with Eeschema
• Place components using the library browser
• Connect components with wires in the schematic
• Annotate components and assign footprints
• Switch to PCB editor to layout the board
• Route traces manually or use autorouter
• Run DRC to check for design rule violations
• Generate Gerber files for manufacturing
• Export BOM and other documentation

System Requirements

macOS 10.14 or later

64-bit Intel or Apple Silicon (ARM64)

4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended)

1 GB free disk space

OpenGL-compatible GPU for 3D viewer

PROS

• Free and open-source EDA tool
• Cross-platform and regularly updated
• Powerful schematic and PCB editor
• Large library and community support
• Supports 3D rendering of PCB designs

CONS

• Occasional bugs in new releases
• UI less polished than commercial tools
• Limited autorouting capabilities
• Some libraries may need manual setup

Also Available: Download KiCad for Windows