Overview
Trace can import designs from several other EDA tools, converting them into KiCad-compatible formats that Trace works with natively. This lets you migrate existing projects or collaborate with teams using different tools. Access importers from File → Import in the appropriate editor (schematic or PCB).gEDA / Lepton EDA
Trace imports gEDA and Lepton EDA schematic files (.sch).
What Gets Imported
- Components — Symbols with attributes, values, and reference designators
- Nets and buses — Electrical connections between components
- Text and labels — Annotations and net labels
- Graphical elements — Lines, arcs, paths, and Bezier curves
Symbol Resolution
The importer uses an 11-step search chain to resolve gEDA symbols to KiCad equivalents:- Exact name match in KiCad libraries
- Attribute-based matching (device, value, footprint)
- Pin-count and pin-name matching
- 39 built-in symbol mappings for common gEDA components (resistors, capacitors, op-amps, connectors, etc.)
- Fallback to generic placeholder symbols with correct pin counts
RC/Config File Parsing
The importer reads gEDA RC files and configuration to resolve library paths and component search directories, so it finds your custom symbols automatically.Cadence Allegro
Trace imports Allegro PCB binary files, including the newer v18+ format.What Gets Imported
- Footprints — Component footprints with pads and courtyard
- Padstacks — Complex pad definitions including thermal reliefs
- Vias — Standard and blind/buried vias with full padstack data
- Traces — Routed tracks on all layers
- Zone fills — Copper pours with proper net assignment
- Teardrops — Teardrop pad connections
- Differential pairs — Paired routing with spacing preservation
- Constraint sets and net classes — Design rule assignments
- Text — Silkscreen text and fabrication notes
- Layer mapping — Allegro layers mapped to KiCad equivalents
v18+ Binary Format
Allegro v18 and later versions use a restructured binary format with sequential keys and reordered headers. Trace handles both the legacy and v18+ formats automatically — no user configuration needed.Allegro imports are PCB-only. Schematic import from OrCAD Capture is not currently supported.
Mentor PADS
Trace imports PADS ASCII format files for both PCB layouts and schematics.What Gets Imported
- PCB layouts — Component placement, routing, vias, and copper pours
- Schematics — Component symbols, net connections, and hierarchy (where available)
Supported Formats
The importer handles the PADS ASCII export format. To import from PADS:- In PADS, export your design in ASCII format
- In Trace, use File → Import → PADS and select the exported file
Altium Designer
Trace imports Altium PCB and schematic files with expanded format support.What Gets Imported
- Schematics — Components, wires, buses, net labels, power ports, text, and graphical elements
- PCB layouts — Component placement, routing, zones, vias, mechanical layers, and board outline
- Project variants — Variant definitions from
.PrjPcbfiles are imported into Trace’s Design Variants system - Libraries — Schematic symbols and PCB footprints from Altium library files
Accepted File Extensions
Trace accepts all standard Altium PCB file extensions, including.PcbDoc, .PCBDoc, and other case variants. You don’t need to rename files before importing.
General Import Tips
- Run DRC after import — Imported designs may have rule violations due to differences in how each tool handles constraints. Run DRC to catch issues early.
- Check footprint assignments — Some components may need footprint reassignment if the source tool’s library doesn’t map cleanly to KiCad’s.
- Verify net connectivity — Open the netlist inspector to confirm all connections survived the import.
- Save as a new project — Import creates new files rather than modifying your original. Save the imported project to a dedicated directory.
Requesting New Importers
If you need to import from a tool not listed here, let us know:- Open a feature request on GitHub
- Ask in our Discord community
- Email hello@buildwithtrace.com