> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.buildwithtrace.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Symbols Library

> Browse, search, generate, and contribute schematic symbols at symbols.buildwithtrace.com

[symbols.buildwithtrace.com](https://symbols.buildwithtrace.com) is a free, open catalog of 30,000+ schematic symbols for KiCad and Trace. You can browse, search, generate custom symbols with AI, and contribute back to the community.

## Browse & Search

The catalog includes:

* **22,650 symbols** from the official Trace/KiCad library (all standard components)
* **8,293 symbols** from the CERN Open Hardware Repository
* **Community contributions** from users worldwide

### Searching

Use the search bar on any page. Search matches against symbol names, descriptions, keywords, and pin names. Filter by category (MCU, Power, Analog, Connectors, etc.) using the sidebar.

### Browsing by library

Click **Browse** to see all 251 libraries organized by category. Each library page shows all symbols with pin counts, descriptions, and preview thumbnails.

## Copy to Clipboard

Every symbol has a **Copy** button with two formats:

| Format               | Use case                                                     |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Canvas** (default) | Paste directly into a Trace or KiCad schematic editor canvas |
| **Library**          | Paste into a `.kicad_sym` file or the symbol library editor  |

The canvas format includes positioning and instance data so the symbol appears ready to wire immediately after pasting.

## Download Libraries

Click the download icon on any library page to get the original `.kicad_sym` file. Downloads preserve full fidelity — all graphics, multi-unit symbols, and metadata exactly as authored.

<Note>
  Copy-to-clipboard reconstructs the symbol from pin data (functional but simplified geometry). Downloads serve the original file with full graphical detail. For production use, prefer downloading.
</Note>

## AI Symbol Generation

Click **Generate** (requires a Trace account) to create custom symbols:

1. Describe the component (e.g., "STM32F401CCU6 in UFQFPN48 package")
2. The AI generates a complete symbol with correct pins, power pins, and properties
3. Preview the result, then copy to clipboard or save to your library

Generated symbols include:

* Correct pin names, numbers, and electrical types
* Proper power pins (VDD, VSS) with correct types
* Datasheet URL and footprint filter references
* Standard reference prefix (U, R, C, etc.)

### Limitations

* Generated symbols use functional but simplified graphics (rectangular body)
* Pin positions follow a standard layout algorithm, not the datasheet's exact pin diagram
* For production ICs, verify pin assignments against the datasheet

## Contributing

Upload your own `.kicad_sym` files to share with the community:

1. Go to [Contribute](https://symbols.buildwithtrace.com/contribute)
2. Upload your `.kicad_sym` file — it's validated automatically
3. Fill in metadata (library name, category, description)
4. Submit — creates a pull request on the official library repository

Contributions are reviewed for correctness and KiCad Library Convention (KLC) compliance before merging.

## Authentication

The symbols platform shares authentication with your Trace account. Click **Sign In** and you'll be redirected to the Trace login page. No separate account needed.

Browsing, searching, and downloading are available without signing in. Generating and saving symbols requires authentication.