kicad-mcp/docs-site/src/content/docs/guides/export.md

title	description
Export & Manufacturing	Generate Gerber files, drill files, PDFs, SVGs, and thumbnails

The export tools generate manufacturing and documentation files from your KiCad projects using kicad-cli. All exports run in batch mode without requiring a running KiCad instance.

Quick reference

Task	Example prompt
Export Gerbers	Export Gerber files for my project at /path/to/project.kicad_pro
Export drill files	Export drill files for my project
Export PDF	Export a PDF of my PCB layout
Generate SVG	Generate an SVG render of my PCB
Export schematic PDF	Export a PDF of my schematic

Gerber export

Export Gerber files for my project at /path/to/project.kicad_pro

The export_gerbers tool runs kicad-cli pcb export gerbers and writes output into a gerbers/ subdirectory alongside the project. Returns the list of generated files and their paths.

Gerber files cover all standard layers: copper (front/back), solder mask, silkscreen, paste, and board outline.

Drill file export

Export drill files for my project at /path/to/project.kicad_pro

The export_drill tool runs kicad-cli pcb export drill and writes output to the gerbers/ subdirectory (following the common convention of co-locating drill files with Gerbers for fab submission).

PDF export

Export a PDF of my PCB layout at /path/to/project.kicad_pro

The export_pdf tool supports both PCB and schematic exports:

• PCB PDF: export_pdf with file_type="pcb" (default)
• Schematic PDF: export_pdf with file_type="schematic"

Or use the dedicated schematic PDF export with additional options:

Export a black-and-white PDF of my schematic

The export_schematic_pdf tool provides options for black-and-white output and background exclusion.

SVG generation

Generate an SVG render of my PCB at /path/to/project.kicad_pro

The generate_pcb_svg tool uses kicad-cli pcb export svg to produce a multi-layer SVG of the board. The SVG content is returned as a string so the caller can display or save it.

PCB thumbnails

The SVG export effectively serves as a PCB thumbnail. When viewing the output, you will typically see:

• Board outline (Edge.Cuts layer)
• Copper layers (F.Cu and B.Cu)
• Silkscreen layers (F.SilkS and B.SilkS)
• Mask layers (F.Mask and B.Mask)
• Component outlines and reference designators

Tips for best visual results

1. Ensure KiCad is properly installed -- the export tools rely on kicad-cli
2. Use absolute paths to avoid path resolution issues
3. Define a board outline (Edge.Cuts layer) for proper visualization
4. Use the latest KiCad version for best compatibility

Manufacturing workflow

A typical flow for preparing manufacturing files:

1. Run DRC to verify the design has no violations
2. Export Gerber files
3. Export drill files
4. Generate a PDF for visual review
5. Check the BOM for component availability
6. Submit the gerbers/ directory to your PCB fabricator

Integration uses

• Project browsing -- generate SVGs for all projects to visually identify them
• Documentation -- include PCB renders in project docs
• Design review -- use PDFs and SVGs to discuss layouts without opening KiCad

Troubleshooting

Export fails

1. Verify kicad-cli is available in your PATH or set KICAD_CLI_PATH
2. Check that the project file exists and contains a valid PCB or schematic
3. Ensure write permissions in the output directory
4. Check server logs for detailed error messages

No thumbnail generated

1. Check that the project contains a valid .kicad_pcb file
2. Ensure the PCB has a defined board outline (Edge.Cuts layer)

Low quality output

1. Ensure the PCB has a properly defined board outline
2. Update to the latest KiCad version for improved CLI export quality