KiCad EDA is an open source Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software package used for designing and developing printed circuit boards (PCBs). Released in 1992, KiCad EDA has been around for quite some time and has been updated regularly to keep up with the latest trends in the industry. In this review, we’ll take a look at what’s new in KiCad EDA 2023, its strengths and weaknesses, features and benefits, pricing and plans, and pros and cons.

What is KiCad EDA?

KiCad EDA is an open source Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software package used for designing and developing printed circuit boards (PCBs). It provides a suite of tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, and 3D visualization and inspection. It supports a wide range of components and technologies, and is compatible with multiple operating systems.

KiCad EDA is a popular choice among hobbyists, engineers, and professionals alike due to its ease of use and affordability. It is also an ideal choice for those who want to design and produce their own PCBs.

What’s New in KiCad EDA 2023?

KiCad EDA 2023 includes a number of new features and improvements. The most noteworthy of these is the improved user interface, which has been redesigned to be more intuitive and user-friendly. Additionally, the schematic capture and PCB layout tools have been updated to support more components and technologies.

Other new features include an improved 3D visualization and inspection tool, a new library system for managing components and footprints, and enhanced support for the popular KiCad EDA format. Additionally, KiCad EDA 2023 now supports the Gerber format, making it easier to export designs to external services.

Strengths of KiCad EDA

KiCad EDA has a number of strengths that make it a great option for PCB design. Firstly, it is an open source software package, meaning it is free to download and use. Additionally, it is easy to learn and use, making it a great choice for beginners.

KiCad EDA also has a large and active community of users, making it easy to find help and support if needed. Furthermore, it is compatible with multiple operating systems, making it a good choice for users who need to work on multiple platforms.

Weaknesses of KiCad EDA

KiCad EDA has some weaknesses as well. Firstly, it is not as feature-rich as some of the more expensive commercial PCB design packages. Additionally, the user interface can be a bit clunky and difficult to use at times.

Finally, KiCad EDA does not have the same level of support as some of the more established PCB design software packages. This can be an issue for users who need help with more complex design tasks.

Features and Benefits

KiCad EDA has a number of features and benefits that make it a great choice for PCB design. Firstly, it is open source and free to use, making it an ideal choice for hobbyists and professionals alike. Additionally, it is easy to learn and use, making it a great option for beginners.

KiCad EDA also has a large and active community of users, making it easy to find help and support if needed. Furthermore, it supports a wide range of components and technologies, making it a good choice for users who need to work on multiple platforms.

Pricing and Plans

KiCad EDA is free to download and use, making it an ideal choice for hobbyists and professionals alike. However, if you need additional support, there are a number of paid plans available. These range from basic plans for users who need help with more complex tasks to more comprehensive plans for users who need more in-depth support.

Pros and Cons

KiCad EDA has a number of pros and cons that make it a great choice for PCB design. On the plus side, it is free to download and use, making it an ideal choice for hobbyists and professionals alike. Additionally, it is easy to learn and use, making it a great option for beginners.

On the downside, KiCad EDA is not as feature-rich as some of the more expensive commercial PCB design packages. Additionally, the user interface can be a bit clunky and difficult to use at times. Finally, KiCad EDA does not have the same level of support as some of the more established PCB design software packages.

Final Thoughts

Overall, KiCad EDA is a great option for PCB design. It is open source and free to use, making it an ideal choice for hobbyists and professionals alike. Additionally, it is easy to learn and use, making it a great option for beginners. Furthermore, it has a large and active community of users, making it easy to find help and support if needed.

However, KiCad EDA is not as feature-rich as some of the more expensive commercial PCB design packages. Additionally, the user interface can be a bit clunky and difficult to use at times. Finally, KiCad EDA does not have the same level of support as some of the more established PCB design software packages.

In conclusion, KiCad EDA is a great option for PCB design. It is open source and free to use, making it an ideal choice for hobbyists and professionals alike. Additionally, it is easy to learn and use, making it a great option for beginners. Furthermore, it has a large and active community of users, making it easy to find help and support if needed. However, it is not as feature-rich as some of the more expensive commercial PCB design packages and does not have the same level of support.