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KiCad Integration

Using tscircuit KiCad PCM URLs

Overview​

tscircuit packages can be installed directly into KiCad using the Plugin and Content Manager (PCM). Each published tscircuit package includes a KiCad PCM URL that points to a repository hosted on tscircuit.app containing the symbols, footprints, and 3D models for all components in the package.

This guide walks you through the process of adding a tscircuit package to KiCad using the PCM URL.

Step 1: Find the KiCad PCM URL​

Navigate to your tscircuit package page on tscircuit.com. In the Releases section on the right sidebar, you'll find a KiCad PCM URL link.

Find the KiCad PCM URL link on the tscircuit package page

Step 2: Copy the Repository URL​

Click the KiCad PCM URL link to open the repository JSON file in your browser. Copy the full URL from the address bar.

Copy the repository URL from the browser address bar

Step 3: Add the Repository in KiCad PCM​

  1. Open KiCad and go to Tools > Plugin and Content Manager
  2. Click the Manage... button in the top-right corner
  3. In the "Manage Repositories" dialog, click the + button to add a new repository
  4. Paste the repository URL you copied and click OK
  5. Click Save to save the repository configuration

Add the repository URL in KiCad's Plugin and Content Manager

Step 4: Select the Repository​

After saving, use the repository dropdown at the top-left of the PCM window to select your newly added tscircuit repository.

Select the tscircuit repository from the dropdown

Step 5: Install the Library​

  1. Navigate to the Libraries tab
  2. Select the tscircuit library package from the list
  3. Click the Install button
  4. Click Apply Pending Changes at the bottom of the window to begin the installation

Install the library from the Libraries tab

The download progress will be displayed:

Download progress showing successful installation

Step 6: Verify Installation​

Once the installation is complete, switch to the Installed tab to verify that the library appears in your installed packages list.

Library appears in the Installed tab

Step 7: Use the Library in Your Project​

The library is now ready to use in your KiCad projects. Open the Schematic Editor and use Add Symbol (shortcut: A) to browse and place components from the installed library.

The components will appear under a library name prefixed with PCM_ (e.g., PCM_jlc100).

Using the tscircuit library components in KiCad's Schematic Editor