Project Structure
A Trace project consists of several files, all stored in a single directory:| File | Description |
|---|---|
.trace_pro | Project configuration |
.trace_sch | Schematic file (AI-friendly intermediate format) |
.trace_pcb | PCB layout file (AI-friendly intermediate format) |
.kicad_sch | KiCad schematic file (canonical format used by the editor) |
.kicad_pcb | KiCad PCB file (canonical format used by the editor) |
.trace_sym | Custom symbol library |
.trace_fp | Custom footprint library |
fp-info-cache | Footprint information cache |
.history/ | Local version history directory (git-based) |
Dual File Format Pipeline
Trace uses two file formats that work together:.trace_sch/.trace_pcb— A simplified, line-oriented format designed for AI agents to read and write efficiently. When the AI makes edits, it modifies these files..kicad_sch/.kicad_pcb— KiCad’s native S-expression format used by the schematic and PCB editors.
.trace_sch file, Trace automatically converts it to .kicad_sch using a Python converter (trace_json_to_sexp.py). The editor then reloads from the .kicad_sch file. This conversion is debounced at 200ms to batch rapid edits.
.trace_sch files directly. They’re managed by the AI pipeline. Your manual edits happen in the visual editor, which works with .kicad_sch / .kicad_pcb natively.
Because Trace stores designs in standard KiCad formats, you can open any Trace project in vanilla KiCad and vice versa. There’s no vendor lock-in.
Local Version History
The.history/ directory inside your project folder contains a git-based version history of your design. Every AI edit creates a new commit in this local repository.
- Offline-first — Works without an internet connection
- Background saves — Versions are created in the background without interrupting your workflow
- Atomic commits — Partial saves can’t corrupt your history
- Survives uninstalls — The
.history/directory is inside your project, not in the application
Backups
Trace maintains multiple backup layers:- Local history — Git-based version snapshots in
.history/(created automatically on every AI edit) - Cloud sync — Versions saved to Trace’s backend for cross-device access and disaster recovery
- ZIP archives — Periodic full-project snapshots
- Backup files —
.bakcopies of previous saves
Creating Projects
Create a new project from the launcher with File → New Project orCtrl+N. Choose a directory and project name. Trace creates the project structure automatically.
Project Settings
Configure project-level settings including:- Board size — Default board outline dimensions
- Layer stack — Number of copper layers and stackup
- Design rules — Minimum trace width, clearance, via sizes
- Grid — Snap grid for schematic and PCB editors