kicad-pycbnew 0.1.1

kicad-pycbnew is a Python module for creating printed circuit boards designs compatible with KiCad's pcbnew,

kicad-pycbnew - Python Library for KiCad PCB Creation from Scratch

kicad-pycbnew is a Python library that provides a programmatic interface for creating and manipulating KiCad PCB designs. kicad-pycbnew works without requiring KiCad to be installed. It allows you to generate complex PCB layouts using Python code, making it easier to create parametric designs, automate repetitive tasks, and integrate PCB design into your Python workflows.

Features

• Create KiCad PCB projects programmatically
• Define, place and manipulate PCB elements:
  • Footprints and pads
  • Nets and logical connections between footprint pads
  • Traces and vias
  • Zones and keepout areas
  • Graphic elements (lines, text, polygons)
• Geometric utilities for PCB design
• Support for S-expressions (KiCad's file format)
• Integration with KiCad CLI

Installation

pip install kicad-pycbnew

Project Structure

The library is organized into three main packages:

Primitives

Basic building blocks for KiCad PCB elements:

• kicad.py: Base classes and utilities
• project.py: Project management
• footprint.py: Footprint and pad handling
• layer.py: Layer definitions
• net.py: Net management
• segment.py: Track segments and arcs
• via.py: Via definitions
• zone.py: Copper zones
• gr_elements.py: Graphic elements (text, lines, arcs, rectangles)
• sexpressions.py: some convenient S-expression utilities

Composites

Higher-level constructs built from primitives:

• abstract_path.py: Base path class
• gr_line_path.py: Paths with graphic lines and arcs
• segment_path.py: Paths with track segments and arcs

Utils

Utility functions and geometric classes:

• geometry.py: Point, Vector, Arc, Rectangle, Polygon classes
• bernstein.py: Bernstein polynomial functions

Usage Example

from pycbnew.primitives.project import KProject
from pycbnew.primitives.footprint import KFootprint
from pycbnew.primitives.net import KNet
from pycbnew.utils.geometry import Point

# Create a new KiCadObject project
project = KProject(filename="my_project.kicad_pcb", copper_layers=2)

# Create a net
gnd_net = KNet(1, "GND")
project.add(gnd_net)

# Add a footprint
footprint = KFootprint("Resistor_SMD:R_0805_2012Metric",
                       at=Point(100, 100),
                       side=KFootprint.Side.Front,
                       default_net=gnd_net)
project.add(footprint)

# Save the project
project.save()

Advanced usage

See the examples directory.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.