Skip to main content

​
Trace 1.2 — March 8, 2026

Built on KiCad 10 (v10.0.0 RC1).

​
New Features

  • KiCad 10 support — Trace is now built on KiCad 10 (v10.0.0 RC1), bringing all upstream improvements including better schematic and PCB tooling and improved rendering
  • Plan mode — Multi-step AI design planning with a research phase, structured plan document, and an approve/adjust/reject workflow before execution begins
  • Rewritten chat UI — New React-based webview with an interleaved activity feed showing tool calls, thinking steps, and text responses inline in real-time
  • Multi-tab parallel streaming — Run multiple AI conversations simultaneously in different chat tabs, each with independent context and streaming state
  • Todo tracking — The AI creates and manages a structured todo checklist for multi-step tasks, updating progress as it works
  • Template selector — Pick from pre-built prompt templates to get started faster
  • File uploads & context — Attach datasheets, reference designs, spec documents, images, and other files directly in the chat for the AI to use as context
  • Larger context window — Holds more design context at once for longer, more coherent design sessions
  • Constraints & stackup modeling — Model your layer stackup, spacing rules, and placement constraints. Expanding toward pick-and-place constraints, enclosure fit, and EMI-aware placement

​
AI Improvements

  • GNN + simulated annealing placement — Graph neural network combined with simulated annealing for optimizing component placement on imported boards
  • Import and optimize — Import existing KiCad designs and let the AI iterate on placement, routing, and design review
  • ASIC workflow prototyping — Early exploration of standard cell placement, pin assignment, timing-driven floorplanning, differential pair routing, power grid IR drop analysis, and clock tree balancing

​
Bug Fixes

  • Fixed mid-stream stopping where the AI would cut off responses
  • Fixed ghost schematics appearing after rapid edits
  • Fixed multi-sheet schematic support for complex designs
  • Fixed per-tab event routing so actions in one tab don’t bleed into another
  • Fixed text segment fragmentation during streaming (words splitting mid-stream)
  • Fixed analytics duplicate event tracking

​
Coming Soon

  • One-click manufacturing — Direct integrations with PCB fabs for instant quoting and ordering without leaving Trace
  • DFM validation — Pre-submission validation against your chosen fab’s actual manufacturing constraints

​
Trace 1.1 — February 2026

​
New Features

  • Schematic versioning — Every AI edit is versioned. Roll back to any previous state with one click
  • Improved autorouter — Better trace quality with impedance-aware routing and differential pair support
  • Component availability checks — Real-time stock and pricing from JLCPCB, LCSC, DigiKey, Mouser, Texas Instruments, and Amazon

​
Improvements

  • Faster streaming responses
  • Better schematic generation accuracy
  • Improved error messages and recovery

​
Trace 1.0 — January 8, 2026

​
Launch

  • AI-native PCB design — Describe circuits in natural language, get component suggestions, schematic generation, and PCB layout assistance
  • Built on KiCad — Full compatibility with KiCad project files, no vendor lock-in
  • Professional EDA tools — Complete schematic editor and PCB layout tools
  • Component library — Thousands of components with footprints and 3D models
  • Manufacturing export — Gerber files, drill files, BOMs, and assembly outputs
  • DRC/ERC — Design rule and electrical rule checking with AI-assisted fixes
  • Desktop-first — Native macOS and Windows application, designs stay on your machine
  • 30-day free trial — Full access to all features and AI modes