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Editor Overview

The schematic editor provides:
  • Canvas — Infinite drawing area for your circuit
  • Symbol browser — Search and place components
  • Properties panel — Edit component values and attributes
  • Chat panel — AI assistance for schematic tasks

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Placing Components

Use the symbol browser or press A to add components. Search by name, description, or manufacturer part number. Trace includes thousands of built-in symbols from KiCad’s standard libraries.

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Drawing Wires

Press W to start drawing wires. Click to place waypoints and double-click or press Escape to finish. Wires automatically connect to component pins when placed nearby.

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Hierarchical Sheets

For complex designs, split your schematic across multiple sheets:
  • Hierarchical sheets — Nested sub-circuits with defined interfaces
  • Sheet pins — Connect signals between sheets
  • Global labels — Share signals across all sheets
  • AI sheet navigation — Ask the AI to switch between sheets or navigate your hierarchy. The AI can read and edit across sheets, understanding the full multi-sheet context.
  • Sheet numbering — Automatic sheet number assignment across your hierarchy

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Annotation

Annotate components to assign unique reference designators (R1, C1, U1, etc.). Use Tools → Annotate Schematic or let Trace auto-annotate.

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Electrical Rules Check

Run ERC to find common errors:
  • Unconnected pins
  • Conflicting pin types (e.g., two outputs connected)
  • Missing power connections
  • Duplicate reference designators
Access via Inspect → Electrical Rules Checker or Ctrl+Shift+E.