# Trace Docs

> Documentation for Trace - the fastest path from idea to manufactured PCB. AI-native PCB design platform built on KiCad.

## Docs

- [Assistant](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/.mintlify/Assistant.md)
- [Changelog](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/changelog.md): Release history for Trace — what's new, what's fixed, and what's coming.
- [Design Variants](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/concepts/design-variants.md): Manage alternate configurations of a single PCB design with variant-aware properties, exports, and Altium import.
- [DFM & the Automated Line](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/concepts/dfm-and-the-automated-line.md): Trace is step 0 of the PCB manufacturing line. Every file Trace exports is shaped for a specific machine downstream — stencil printers, SPI, pick-and-place, reflow, AOI. Here's how the pipeline fits together.
- [DRC Rule Editor](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/concepts/drc-rule-editor.md): Visual rule builder for defining and managing PCB design rules with constraint panels, custom expressions, and autocomplete.
- [How Trace Works](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/concepts/how-trace-works.md): Why PCB design is a hard AI problem, how Trace solves it differently, and why existing approaches fall short.
- [Intelligent Tools](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/concepts/intelligent-tools.md): Trace eliminates context switching. No more jumping between datasheets, distributor websites, footprint libraries, and your EDA tool.
- [PCB Layout](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/concepts/pcb-layout.md): The PCB editor is where you arrange components and route traces on your physical board.
- [Projects](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/concepts/projects.md): Projects are the top-level containers for your PCB designs in Trace.
- [Schematics](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/concepts/schematics.md): The schematic editor is where you define the electrical connections of your circuit.
- [.tracerules](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/concepts/tracerules.md): Define custom rules that shape how the AI designs your circuits. Like .cursorrules for hardware — persistent context that augments the AI's default behavior.
- [Under the Hood](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/concepts/under-the-hood.md): What happens when you send a message — the file pipeline, where things run, and how your design stays in sync.
- [Code Style Guide](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/contributing/code-style.md): C++ code formatting rules and naming conventions for Trace contributions.
- [Contributing](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/contributing/overview.md): How to contribute to Trace — community guidelines, development setup, and pull request process.
- [Using Prompts](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/guides/ai-prompts.md): Tips for writing effective prompts to get the best results from Trace.
- [Billing & Plans](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/guides/billing.md): Plan comparison, subscription management, on-demand credits, and account settings for Trace.
- [Component Library](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/guides/components.md): Trace includes a comprehensive library of components with symbols, footprints, and 3D models.
- [Exporting Designs](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/guides/exporting.md): Generate manufacturing files and documentation from your Trace projects.
- [Your First PCB](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/guides/first-pcb.md): A step-by-step guide to designing a complete PCB with Trace.
- [Importing from Other EDA Tools](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/guides/importing-formats.md): Import schematics and PCB layouts from Altium, Allegro, gEDA/Lepton EDA, and PADS into Trace.
- [Importing Existing Projects](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/guides/importing-projects.md): Bring your existing KiCad designs into Trace for AI-assisted review, optimization, and iteration.
- [Sign In with Email Link](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/guides/magic-link.md): Passwordless login using a magic link sent to your email
- [One-Click Manufacturing](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/guides/one-click-manufacturing.md): Submit your design to PCB fabs and assembly houses from inside Trace — no distributor hopping, no manual form-filling, no leaving the editor.
- [Plan Mode](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/guides/plan-mode.md): End-to-end walkthrough of Plan mode — Trace's multi-step AI design workflow with research, structured questions, plan approval, and todo-tracked execution.
- [Profile & Account](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/guides/profiles.md): Manage your Trace profile, username, and account settings
- [Shared Links](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/guides/shared-links.md): Share your Trace conversations with teammates or stakeholders
- [Teams](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/guides/teams.md): Shared AI capacity, centralized billing, and collaborative PCB design for engineering teams.
- [Version History & Rollback](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/guides/version-history.md): How Trace tracks every AI edit with local and cloud version history, per-message undo, and a restore dialog.
- [Web Dashboard](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/guides/web-dashboard.md): Manage your Trace projects, usage, and team from the web — plus ask questions about your designs without opening the desktop app.
- [Trace Documentation](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/index.md): The fastest path from idea to manufactured PCB. AI-native PCB design built on KiCad.
- [Installation](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/installation.md): Download and install Trace on your macOS, Windows, or Linux machine.
- [Introduction](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/introduction.md): Trace is an AI-native platform for designing PCBs. The fastest path from idea to manufactured board.
- [Quick Start](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/quick-start.md): Create your first PCB project with Trace in under 5 minutes.
- [Beta Features](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/resources/beta.md): Preview upcoming Trace features currently in early access. Join the beta program to earn points, provide feedback, and help shape Trace.
- [CLI Reference](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/resources/cli.md): The Trace command-line interface provides tools for automation, scripting, and headless operations. Access Trace's AI intelligence programmatically.
- [CLI Commands](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/resources/cli-commands.md): Complete reference for all Trace CLI commands. Automation, export, validation, and AI design tools.
- [Education Program](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/resources/education.md): Free access to Trace for students and universities. Apply with your school email to get full AI-powered PCB design capabilities for coursework, research, and student projects.
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/resources/faq.md): Common questions about Trace — the AI-native PCB design platform. What it does, how it works, how the AI understands circuits, pricing, system requirements, and more.
- [Feature Requests](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/resources/feature-requests.md): Community-driven feature requests for Trace. Submit requests, track what's being built, and get early access through the beta program.
- [Keyboard Shortcuts](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/resources/keyboard-shortcuts.md): Quick reference for keyboard shortcuts in Trace.
- [Troubleshooting](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/resources/troubleshooting.md): Common issues and how to resolve them.

## OpenAPI Specs

- [openapi](https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/openapi.json)