KiCAD Library Management Workflow

This skill guides Claude through creating and managing KiCAD symbols, footprints, and libraries using Konnect MCP tools. ALL modifications go through MCP tools, never edit .kicad_sym or .kicad_mod files directly.

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Toolset Loading

load_toolset('library')    # search_symbols, search_footprints, create_symbol, create_footprint,
                           # edit_footprint_pad, set_footprint_graphics, set_footprint_metadata,
                           # set_footprint_models, get_footprint_info, register_symbol_library,
                           # register_footprint_library, get_symbol_info
load_toolset('pcb_components') # update_footprints_from_library for placed instances

Always call get_active_toolsets() first to see what is already loaded.

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Refresh Placed Footprints

Editing a .kicad_mod library file does not change copies already embedded on a board. After a library edit, call update_footprints_from_library; it is Konnect's MCP equivalent of KiCad Tools → Update Footprints from Library.

This operation is not update_pcb_from_schematic. Schematic sync updates schematic-owned fields while preserving artwork. Library refresh replaces supported library-owned pads, graphics, attributes, metadata, and 3D models while preserving the placed footprint's reference, value, position, rotation, board side, locked state, KIID, symbol metadata, instance overrides, and pad nets by logical pad number.

Always dry-run first:

update_footprints_from_library(
  board,
  references?,
  library_ids?,
  dry_run,
  expected_plan_revision?
)