Item: KiCad EDA
Rating: 6
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

KiCad is a simple software tool used for designing PCBs - > Including schematics and PCB layout/routing. It allows for the function of simple projects to be completed. Its used for reviewing projects and otherwise creating component libraries. For new electronic designers its an easy tool to learn and get started with.

Pros and Cons

Pros

User Interface
Open source
Component import

Cons

Design rules
Limited libraries
Large custom libraries
Version control

Return on Investment

PCB Client Projects
More Electronic designers
Open source
Missing advanced features for complex projects

Usability

6

KiCad is great for learning and getting started with Hardware design because its open source and easy to work with. Besides this its interface is simple and easy to understand. I have used KiCad personally for simple projects as more complex projects are harder to do in KiCad. The simplicity allows to me to do my work quick.

Alternatives Considered

Altium 365 and Altium Designer

I use nowadays mainly ALTIUM because of its advanced features for complex projects. Altium has many more benefits but on the other hand it depends on the complexity. For simple project I recommend KiCad because its open-source, easy to learn and work with. Therefore I would recommend KiCad is more then sufficient for easy less complex projects.

Key Insights

Do you think KiCad EDA delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with KiCad EDA's feature set?

Yes

Did KiCad EDA live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of KiCad EDA go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy KiCad EDA again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Altium Designer, Altium 365

Likelihood to Recommend