AI Design Assistant
Context window limits
Very long conversations (300+ messages) may cause the AI to lose track of earlier instructions or repeat itself. Complex multi-sheet schematics can also exhaust the context window mid-task. Workaround: Start a new conversation when the AI starts losing context. For complex projects, break the work into focused sessions (e.g., one conversation per subsystem).”Continue” interruptions
For complex tasks (dense PCBs, large symbol counts), the AI may need multiple continuation prompts. This happens when the response exceeds the model’s output limit. Workaround: Break complex requests into smaller, focused steps. Instead of “Design the entire power supply,” try “Add the voltage regulator and its input capacitors.”Ask mode is read-only
Free-plan users are limited to Ask mode, which can answer questions about your design but cannot make edits. This confuses users who expect the AI to modify files. Workaround: Upgrade to a paid plan for Chat/Agent/Plan modes that can edit your schematic and PCB.Schematic Editor
Symbol library resolution
If the AI references a symbol that isn’t in your local library, you may see a placeholder rectangle instead of the correct symbol graphic. The electrical connections (pins/nets) are still correct — only the visual representation is affected. Workaround: Ensure yoursym-lib-table includes the standard KiCad libraries. The Trace desktop app ships with all stock libraries. If you see rectangles, go to Preferences > Manage Symbol Libraries and verify paths.
Non-UTF-8 file encoding
Files with non-UTF-8 encoding (common on Chinese Windows systems with GBK) may produce garbled text in component values or net names. Workaround: Save your files as UTF-8 before opening in Trace. Most text editors (VS Code, Notepad++) can convert encoding.PCB Editor
Autoroute timeout
Cloud autorouting has a timeout limit. Very dense boards (200+ nets, tight spacing) may not complete routing within the allowed time. Workaround: Route critical nets manually first (power, high-speed signals), then let autoroute handle the remaining connections. Alternatively, increase board area to give the router more room.Non-rectangular board outlines
The AI may default to rectangular board outlines when asked for circular or custom-shaped boards. Specifying the exact outline in your prompt helps, but the AI sometimes reverts. Workaround: Draw the board outline manually in the PCB editor, then ask the AI to place and route within it.PCB persistence between sessions
In rare cases, PCB modifications made by the AI may not persist if the trace-to-KiCad conversion fails silently. You’ll notice this if changes disappear after closing and reopening. Workaround: After the AI makes PCB edits, save explicitly (File > Save). If changes vanish, check the AI chat for conversion warnings and retry.Conversion (Altium Import)
Font rendering
Custom Altium fonts are rendered as the closest system match. Text sizing and spacing may differ slightly from the Altium original.3D model references
Altium’s embedded STEP models are referenced in the converted output but not extracted as separate files. You’ll need to re-link 3D models manually in KiCad.Expression-based design rules
Altium’s advanced rule engine supports expression-based rules (e.g.,InComponent('U1')) that have no KiCad equivalent. These are preserved as comments in the converted output.
Platform-Specific
Windows installer upgrade path
Each major version installs cleanly over the previous one. The installer automatically removes old versioned installations (1.0.0 through 1.2.1). If you encounter issues, uninstall the old version manually first.macOS Gatekeeper
On first launch after installation, macOS may show “Trace can’t be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software.” Right-click the app and choose Open to bypass this once.Linux library paths
On Linux, symbol/footprint library environment variables (KICAD9_SYMBOL_DIR, etc.) must be set correctly. The AppImage handles this automatically, but manual installations may need configuration.
What We’re Working On
- Larger context windows for complex projects
- Improved autoroute performance and timeout handling
- Better error messages when conversion fails
- Offline symbol library for reliable rendering without network
Found a bug not listed here? Report it at support@buildwithtrace.com or on our Discord.