Skip to content
whatismyalternative

KiCad

A Cross Platform and Open Source PCB Design Suite

Visit KiCad

KiCad is an open source, cross-platform PCB design suite for Windows, macOS and Linux. It provides a complete electronics CAD workflow, from schematic capture through PCB layout, 3D inspection, Gerber viewing and SPICE simulation, available at no cost.

The suite includes a Schematic Editor for basic to complex hierarchical designs, with custom symbols and an official library, plus an integrated SPICE simulator and electrical rules checker. The PCB Editor offers interactive routing and visualization tools, while the 3D Viewer supports mechanical fit checks and raytraced previews. A Gerber Viewer is also included. KiCad is packaged as a free, open source project, with professional support available for purchase and community support through forums and mailing lists.

12 alternatives to KiCad

Ranked by how well each tool replaces KiCad: shared features, audience, price and popularity.

  1. A free/libre and open-source EDA tool for circuit design, simulation, analysis, and PCB设计

    Covers 8 of 12 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    69 out of 100 matchContact sales
  2. The Community for Creative Electronics

    Covers 5 of 12 key features.

    Free plan
    69 out of 100 matchContact sales
  3. CAD, CAM and FEA software for Linux, available in 2D and 3D versions.

    Covers 2 of 12 key features.

    Free plan
    68 out of 100 matchFree
  4. Free Open Source 2D-CAD

    Covers 4 of 12 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    68 out of 100 matchContact sales
  5. Create electronics the easy way

    Covers 0 of 12 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    67 out of 100 matchFree
  6. Online PCB design & circuit simulator

    Covers 0 of 12 key features.

    Free plan
    66 out of 100 match$19.90/mo
  7. Parametric ECAD and MCAD content generation online

    Covers 5 of 12 key features.

    Free plan
    64 out of 100 matchFree
  8. Your own 3D parametric modeler.

    Covers 2 of 12 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    63 out of 100 matchFree
  9. The Programmers Solid 3D CAD Modeller

    Covers 5 of 12 key features.

    Open source
    63 out of 100 match—
  10. The Free & Open Source Image Editor

    Covers 5 of 12 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    63 out of 100 matchFree
  11. A free browser-based app for 3D design, electronics, and coding.

    Covers 1 of 12 key features.

    Free plan
    63 out of 100 matchFree
  12. Edit KiCad files in your browser — no install, nothing uploaded

    Covers 3 of 12 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    63 out of 100 matchFree