General
Which Trace product should I use?
Trace desktop provides schematic and PCB editors with integrated AI assistance. Trace Plugin for Altium and KiCad connects assistance to an existing supported host editor. It is separate from the coding-agent plugin and MCP integrations.
Start with Installation or the Trace Plugin guide. Check Availability for product and host differences.
Can I use an existing design?
Yes, use the supported project-opening and import workflow. For another EDA format, follow Importing formats and inspect the imported result.
Native Trace projects use .kicad_pro, .trace_sch, .trace_pcb, and paired .xo files. Keep them together. Use export for a KiCad handoff; renaming a file extension is not conversion.
Can I work offline?
Local editing and available local checks can work without hosted AI. Hosted chat, online research, advanced cloud layout, and cloud synchronization need a connection. Save the libraries and dependencies needed by the local project.
What data leaves my computer?
Hosted AI can receive design context, selected attachments, and tool results. Advanced layout processes a submitted board, and cloud projects and artifact workflows can upload selected content.
Opening a local project is not the same as publishing it to Workspaces. Review How Trace works and the Privacy Policy before using hosted features with sensitive data.
AI & Technology
What is the difference between Ask, Agent, and Plan?
Ask explains and reviews without persistent design edits. Agent can make supported edits for your request. Plan researches and proposes work for approval before execution.
Choose the mode deliberately; an Ask request is not automatic permission to edit. See AI modes.
Which model can I choose?
Compatible current builds offer GPT Astra, GPT Sol, Trace Genie 2.0 Flash, and Trace Genie 2.0. Choose a model supported by your installed product and connected service. A model listed in older history may no longer be selectable.
See Models. Choosing a chat model does not necessarily change separate component-generation or background features.
Can I attach a datasheet or reuse project documents?
Use Attachments for chat files and Artifacts for reusable documents. Supported file types and limits differ by surface; storing or indexing a file does not guarantee the entire file can be read in one request.
Are generated components and routed boards ready to manufacture?
They still need engineering review. Verify symbols against the exact part and package, check pin-to-pad assignments, and inspect layout and manufacturing outputs.
ERC and DRC report the checks they perform; they do not certify circuit behavior, enclosure fit, thermal performance, or regulatory compliance. See Component review, Placement and routing, and Design review.
Does a completed simulation prove my circuit works?
No. A completed run is not a PASS by itself. Results need the correct saved design, models, operating conditions, and evaluated assertions. A waveform without those checks is an observation.
See Simulation. The native simulation workflow is not automatically available in other hosts.
Can I undo changes or resume a failed task?
Use the recovery control appropriate to the operation. Native Local History, cloud branch history, host undo, and conversation editing are different.
Stop does not undo completed edits. Resume is only appropriate when offered for the existing task; uncertain delivery is not a reason to repeat an edit. See Chat controls and Troubleshooting.
Pricing & Plans
Is Ask free or unlimited?
No. Ask, Agent, and Plan use metered AI and require available access and usage. Creating an account does not promise ongoing free grants. Check Billing for your current allowance, trial, or credit balance.
How does the trial work?
Where offered, the current trial flow requires a payment method and starts a seven-day trial subscription. It becomes paid unless you cancel before it ends. Your displayed checkout offer governs the duration, allowance, and renewal price. See Start a trial.
Do I need separate Layout Credits?
The current advanced-layout flow uses available plan allowance and purchased credits, not a separate Layout Credits pack. Layout compute and AI usage are metered differently. Review Layout charges before running.
Can I bring my own model key?
BYOK is disabled by default in the current service. CLI or SDK credential options do not establish availability. See BYOK before configuring a key.
Is academic access available?
Contact the team to confirm a current offer, eligibility, included usage, and duration. Academic access is not a guaranteed free grant. See Education.
How do I cancel or delete my account?
Confirm cancellation and its effective date in Billing before deactivating. The Delete Account action attempts cancellation but does not prove it succeeded or that cloud data has been erased. See Account settings.
Manufacturing & Export
How do I send a design to another editor or manufacturer?
Use the Exporting guide for your product and target format. Inspect the exported design, board outline, layers, drills, BOM, and assembly files before handoff.
For supported ordering workflows, follow Manufacturing. An export or quote is not confirmation that an order has been placed or cancelled.
Technical Details
Does Trace have a CLI?
Yes. Use trace-cli bundled with the Trace app. Install Trace and sign in to the desktop first, then follow the CLI guide. A separate developer CLI installation is not required.
Where can I find shortcuts and limitations?
See Keyboard shortcuts and Known limitations.
About
Where can I get help or suggest an improvement?
Start with Troubleshooting and the status page. You can email hello@buildwithtrace.com or ask in Discord.
For an improvement, use Feature requests. That page is a feedback route, not a promise of release dates.