Trace is an AI-native PCB design tool — a desktop application for macOS, Windows, and Linux that covers the full schematic-first workflow: idea → schematic → PCB → manufacturing files. Built on KiCad (GPL), enhanced with proprietary AI modules that accelerate every stage of hardware design.
Current version: 1.4.0
| Category | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| AI Design | Natural-language schematic generation, AI-powered suggestions, Plan mode (research → questions → plan → approve → execute) |
| Routing | Quick auto-route (freerouting) + Advanced layout (DeepPCB cloud engine), Matched length tuning for high-speed signals |
| Components | Nexar/DigiKey distributor search, datasheet parsing (LlamaParse), 30K+ symbols & 24K+ footprints |
| Verification | ERC/DRC with AI suggestions, hierarchical schematic support (multi-sheet) |
| Manufacturing | Gerber/drill/BOM/pick-and-place export, PCB ordering (PCBWay + Pikkolo partners) |
| Collaboration | Version control (local + cloud), team workspaces with per-seat billing |
| Flexibility | BYOK — bring your own API key (supports multiple LLM providers) |
| Repo | Description |
|---|---|
| Trace Desktop | AI-powered PCB design tool (C++/wxWidgets + React webview) |
| Trace CLI | Terminal interface + MCP server for AI coding agents — pip install buildwithtrace |
| Documentation | Guides, API reference, tutorials |
| Platform | Description |
|---|---|
| symbols.buildwithtrace.com | 30,000+ browseable schematic symbols (KiCad + CERN) |
| footprints.buildwithtrace.com | 24,000+ PCB footprints catalog |
| components.buildwithtrace.com | Unified symbol + footprint catalog with AI generation |
| Repo | Content |
|---|---|
| trace-kicad-symbols-lib | Canonical schematic symbol library |
| trace-kicad-footprints-lib | Canonical PCB footprint library |
| trace-kicad-3dmodels-lib | 3D component models |
| Repo | Platform |
|---|---|
| trace-mac-builder | macOS .dmg packaging & CI |
| trace-win-builder | Windows NSIS installer & CI |
| trace-linux-builder | Linux AppImage packaging & CI |
# Install the CLI
pip install buildwithtrace
# Or download the desktop app
# → https://buildwithtrace.com/download| 🌐 Website | buildwithtrace.com |
| 📖 Docs | docs.buildwithtrace.com |
| ⬇️ Download | buildwithtrace.com/download |
| 💬 Discord | discord.gg/UNUvQxneCr |
| 📊 Status | status.buildwithtrace.com |
We welcome contributions to our open-source libraries and build tooling. See our Contributing Guide for details.
Trace is built on KiCad, an open-source EDA suite licensed under GPL.
Proprietary AI modules © 2025–2026 Trace.
