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Opening KiCad Projects

Trace is built on KiCad 10, so it natively opens any KiCad project. To import an existing design:
  1. File → Open Project or drag and drop a .kicad_pro file into Trace
  2. Trace opens the schematic (.kicad_sch) and PCB (.kicad_pcb) files directly
  3. All components, nets, footprints, and routing are preserved exactly as they are
No conversion or import step is needed — KiCad files are Trace’s native format.

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What You Can Do With Imported Designs

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AI Design Review

Ask the AI to review your existing design for issues: 
Review this schematic and identify any potential problems.
Check for missing decoupling caps, incorrect connections,
and suggest improvements.

Run DRC on this board and explain any violations.
Suggest fixes for each one.

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Get Explanations

Have the AI explain how an unfamiliar design works: 
Explain how this power supply section works.
What is the purpose of each component?

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Optimize Placement

The AI’s GNN + simulated annealing placer can optimize component placement on imported boards: 
Optimize the component placement on this board.
Prioritize signal integrity for the high-speed section
and thermal performance for the power stage.
This is especially effective for boards where placement was done manually and could benefit from optimization based on signal flow analysis and constraint awareness.

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Modify and Extend

Make changes to imported designs using natural language: 
Add a USB-C connector to this board with ESD protection
and a 5V to 3.3V LDO powered from VBUS.

Replace the AMS1117 with a TPS563200 buck converter.
Update the surrounding passives per the datasheet.

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Manufacturing Files

Generate manufacturing outputs from any imported design: 
Generate Gerbers, drill files, and a BOM for this board.
Package everything into a fab-ready ZIP.

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Supported File Formats

FormatExtensionImportExport
KiCad Project.kicad_proYesYes
KiCad Schematic.kicad_schYesYes
KiCad PCB.kicad_pcbYesYes
Gerber.gbr—Yes
Excellon Drill.drl—Yes
ODB++—Yes
IPC-2581—Yes
STEP (3D).stepYesYes
DXF (2D outline).dxfYes—

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Tips

  • Start with Ask mode — Before making changes, use Ask mode to understand the design: “Explain this circuit” or “What does R5 do?”
  • Review before modifying — Run ERC/DRC first to understand the current state of the design
  • Version safety — Trace automatically versions every change, so you can always roll back if an AI modification doesn’t work out
  • Incremental changes — Make modifications one section at a time rather than asking for a complete redesign