How do I install KiCad software?

How do I download and install KiCad?

Download KiCad



Click the DOWNLOAD button on the KiCad home page. On the download page that opens, click the Windows button. Under Stable Release, click either Windows 64-bit or Windows 32-bit, depending on if you are going to install KiCad on a 32-bit or 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.

Is KiCad completely free?

KiCad is free software. The majority of KiCad’s source code is developed and distributed under the GNU General Public License(GPL) version 3 or greater.

Does KiCad work on Windows 7?

KiCad supports Windows 8.1, 10 and 11.

How do I use KiCad software?

Using Eeschema

1. Under Windows run kicad.exe. …
2. Create a new project: File → New → Project. …
3. Let’s begin by creating a schematic. …
4. Click on the ‘Page Settings’ icon on the top toolbar. …
5. We will now place our first component. …
6. Click on the middle of your schematic sheet. …
7. Double click on it.

Is Eagle better than KiCad?

If you are a hobbyist, an inventor or a professional user, both Eagle and Kicad will work very well for you. I can’t really say that one is “better” than the other. Eagle might be a little bit more intuitive to start out with, but I find myself being more effective in Kicad.

What is the latest version of KiCad?

KiCad 5.1.



The KiCad project is proud to announce the latest series 5 stable release. The 5.1. 9 stable version contains critical bug fixes and other minor improvements since the previous release. It also includes improved footprint, symbol, and 3D model libraries, translations, and documentation.

Can I use KiCad for commercial?

KiCad libraries are licensed in such a way to ensure free use of library data for commercial, closed, and non-commercial projects without restriction. KiCad does not wish to exert any control over designs produced using the library data, or force users to reveal proprietary information contained in their designs.

Which software is best for PCB design?

Our Top 10 printed circuit design software programmes

1. Eagle. EAGLE is a PCB design software developed by the German CadSoft Computer GmbH created by Rudolf Hofer and Klaus-Peter Schmidiger in 1988. …
2. Altium. …
3. Proteus. …
4. KiCad. …
5. Cadence OrCAD PCB Designer. …
6. DesignSpark. …
7. Protel. …
8. Cadstar.

Is KiCad a CAD software?

KiCad was created in 1992 by Jean-Pierre Charras while working at IUT de Grenoble. The name came from the first letters in the name of a company of Jean-Pierre’s friend in combination with the term CAD. KiCad originally was a collection of electronics programs intended to be used in conjunction with each other.

Is Eagle PCB good?

EAGLE has a very simple, effective and easy interface and provides a library that contains a large number of electrical and electronics components. That is the main reason for EAGLE being the most popular PCB designing software among educationists, hobbyists, and professionals.

Is KiCad any good?

Since KiCad first appeared in the PCB CAD world in 1992, it has gone through 5 major versions, and evolved into a serious alternative to commercial products. Once thought clunky and barely usable, it is now a solid, reliable CAD application.

How much space does KiCad take?

Up to 10GB available hard disk space; Screen resolution of 1280×1024 works but 1920×1080 or higher is recommended.