KiCad AI

KiCad AI plugin: copilots that run inside the editor

KiCad ships no AI of its own. ALT TAB Circuit Copilot is an AI KiCad plugin — a copilot and chatbot that runs in schematic and PCB editors. It is not a KiCad fork. You still place, route, and generate fab outputs in KiCad.

KiCad® is a registered trademark of its respective owners. ALT TAB Circuit Copilot is independent software for use with KiCad and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the KiCad project or the Linux Foundation.

Download ALT TAB Circuit CopilotInstall in KiCad

Key takeaways

  • KiCad itself ships no AI. Everything called “KiCad AI” is a plugin inside the editor, a tool that generates KiCad files from outside, or AI that builds library parts.
  • ALT TAB Circuit Copilot is the in-editor path: a KiCad AI plugin (copilot / chatbot) that runs in schematic and PCB editors.
  • Generate-then-export tools draft files outside KiCad. Useful, but they are not a plugin inside the editor.
  • AI autorouting inside KiCad is still immature. Review every AI draft with ERC/DRC before fab.

What KiCad AI is

KiCad is the default serious open-source EDA suite. Engineers now expect to describe a circuit and get a usable draft. KiCad AI is that combination: keep KiCad as the editor, add an assistant for drafting and questions. The KiCad project keeps AI out of the core tool, so KiCad AI is plugins, generators, and library helpers — not one download from kicad.org.

Path 1: AI plugins inside KiCad

KiCad has a real plugin system (Python, action plugins, Plugin and Content Manager). An AI KiCad plugin can use that layer. ALT TAB Circuit Copilot lives here: a copilot pane in the editor, project context, Claude / GPT / Gemini / Ohm, optional ALT TAB Cloud quotas. You stay in KiCad for place, route, and fab outputs.

Path 2: generate outside, finish in KiCad

Some tools draft schematics in another app, then export .kicad_sch / .kicad_pcb. That can work for a blank-canvas start. It is not the same as a KiCad AI plugin. If you want chat and edits on the open board, you want the in-editor path.

What AI still cannot do in KiCad

Treat AI as a junior: review interfaces, power, and anything safety-relevant. Run ERC and DRC. Full in-toolbar AI autorouting is not a solved product category yet — ALT TAB Circuit Copilot lists intelligent routing as planned, not a magic “route all” button.

Frequently asked questions

Does KiCad have built-in AI?

No. KiCad ships no AI features of its own. “KiCad AI” means third-party tools: in-editor plugins, generators that export KiCad files, or AI that builds symbols and footprints. ALT TAB Circuit Copilot is an in-editor KiCad AI plugin — a copilot that runs inside schematic and PCB editors.

What is the best KiCad AI plugin?

ALT TAB Circuit Copilot is an AI assistant for KiCad: chat about the open project, natural-language help for schematics and PCB layout, and optional hosted models via ALT TAB Cloud. KiCad itself stays the editor; the plugin adds the AI pane. Download is free; paid plans add higher hosted AI limits.

Is there a ChatGPT or Copilot plugin for KiCad?

Yes. ALT TAB Circuit Copilot is a KiCad chatbot and copilot: an AI KiCad plugin with Claude, GPT, Gemini, and ALT TAB’s Ohm model. It does not replace KiCad; it assists while you design.

Can AI generate a KiCad schematic?

ALT TAB Circuit Copilot is built for in-editor drafting and help: describe a circuit in plain English and work toward schematic structure inside KiCad. Treat AI output as a draft. Always review nets, ERC, and safety-critical circuits yourself.

Can AI autoroute a KiCad PCB?

Reliable AI autorouting inside the KiCad toolbar is still immature industry-wide. ALT TAB Circuit Copilot helps with questions, edits, and design-rule context; full AI autorouting remains planned. Do layout in KiCad and review any AI-assisted routing like contractor work.

How do I install a KiCad AI plugin?

Download ALT TAB Circuit Copilot from kicad.alttab.rs/download, then follow /instructions for KiCad 6+ on Windows, macOS, and Linux (Plugin and Content Manager or manual install). You need KiCad installed first; the AI plugin is an add-on, not a KiCad fork.

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