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What is Trace?

Trace is a desktop application for macOS and Windows that lets you design printed circuit boards using a combination of traditional schematic capture and intelligent design assistance. You can describe what you want to build in plain language, and Trace will help you select components, create schematics, and lay out your PCB. Built on KiCad 10, the open-source EDA suite, Trace adds intelligent tools that accelerate your workflow.

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Key Features

  • Intelligent Design Tools — Describe your circuit in natural language and get component suggestions, schematic generation, and layout assistance.
  • AI-Native Automation — Auto-route traces, run DRC/ERC checks, and generate manufacturing files just by asking.
  • Plan Mode — For complex tasks, the AI creates a detailed plan you review and approve before execution.
  • Multi-Tab Conversations — Run multiple AI tasks in parallel across independent chat tabs.
  • Professional EDA Tools — Full schematic editor and PCB layout tools based on KiCad 10.
  • Component Library — Access to thousands of components with footprints and 3D models, plus real-time availability from major distributors.
  • Export Ready — Generate Gerber files, drill files, BOMs, and other manufacturing outputs directly or via AI.

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System Requirements

PlatformRequirements
macOSmacOS 12.0 (Monterey) or later, Apple Silicon (M1 or later)
WindowsWindows 10 (64-bit) or later
RAM4 GB minimum, 8 GB recommended
Disk Space8 GB available

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Next Steps

Ready to get started? Head to the Installation guide to download and set up Trace on your machine.

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Roadmap

We’re building the full stack for hardware design:

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PCB Intelligence (In Progress)

We’re actively improving the core PCB design experience — an initial AI auto-placer using simulated annealing is available now, and we’re working toward a next-gen placer combining constraint solving, AI, signal flow analysis, thermal and mechanical awareness. Also in progress: trace width optimization based on current requirements and impedance targets, and smarter autorouting with length matching and constraint-aware trace routing.

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ASIC Design (Coming)

We’re extending Trace to support custom silicon. The same AI-assisted workflow you use for PCBs — natural language design, automated layout, DRC — applied to ASIC development. Early prototyping is underway for standard cell placement, pin assignment, timing-driven floorplanning, differential pair routing, power grid IR drop analysis, and clock tree balancing. The goal: from behavioral description to GDSII. If you’re working on custom chips and want early access, reach out at hello@buildwithtrace.com.

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Marketplace

Share, discover, and remix PCB designs from engineers worldwide. Open-source reference designs you can fork and modify.

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Enterprise

Team collaboration, SSO, audit logs, and on-premise deployment options. Book a call to talk to us about your needs.