Download
Download the latest version of Trace from the official website:
buildwithtrace.com/download
macOS Installation
Download the .dmg file
Download the .dmg file for macOS from the link above.
Open and install
Open the downloaded file and drag Trace to your Applications folder.
Launch Trace
Open Trace from Applications. Trace is signed and notarized — no Gatekeeper workarounds needed, even on macOS Sequoia (15+).
Smooth installs on Sequoia — Starting with v1.2, Trace passes Apple’s Gatekeeper checks out of the box. All binary paths are relative, the CLI is properly named, and the Info.plist metadata is correct. No xattr commands or “Open Anyway” steps required.
Windows Installation
Download the installer
Download the .exe installer for Windows.
Run the installer
Run the installer and follow the prompts.
Launch Trace
Launch Trace from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
Signing In
After installation, launch Trace and sign in with your account. You can create an account at buildwithtrace.com/signup if you don’t have one.
Authentication is handled via OAuth. Click “Sign In” in the application, and you’ll be redirected to complete authentication in your browser.
Verifying Installation
Once signed in, you should see the Trace dashboard with options to create a new project or open an existing one. If you encounter any issues, check the Troubleshooting guide.
Important — Do Not Trust AI 100%: Trace is an AI-powered tool designed to assist your PCB design workflow, not replace your engineering judgment. AI can and will make mistakes. Always review and verify all designs, schematics, component selections, routing, and manufacturing outputs before fabrication. Make sure you understand everything on your board — every trace, every component, every connection. Do not send designs to manufacturing without thorough inspection and validation. When in doubt, consult with experienced engineers or use professional design review services.
