What’s New in KiCad 10
KiCad 10.0.0 is here! Open source PCB design just got a big upgrade with native dark mode, design variants, and revamped track tuning.
When you need to design a printed circuit board and your budget for electronic design automation software is $0, it’s hard to beat KiCad. This software suite is a favorite of hobbyists and professional electronics engineers around the globe — and now KiCad is even better. Version 10.0.0 has just been released, and with that nice round number come some significant updates.
KiCad 10 now offers native dark mode support on Windows, aligning the interface with system settings for a more comfortable user experience. Alongside this, users can now customize toolbars in editor windows, making it easier to tailor the interface to specific workflows. Even small usability enhancements — like undo/redo support within dialog boxes and freeform “lasso” selection — help streamline everyday tasks.
The update also expands interoperability with new importers for Allegro, PADS, and gEDA/Lepton PCB designs, lowering the barrier for users transitioning from other tools. Meanwhile, improvements to the official libraries continue at pace, with hundreds of new symbols, footprints, and 3D models added. Furthermore, the project has fully transitioned to STEP files for 3D models, improving accuracy while reducing installation size.
On the schematic side, design variants are a very powerful addition, allowing multiple configurations of a single project without duplicating schematics. Features like hop-over wire crossings, jumper definitions, and grouping support further enhance clarity and flexibility when working with complex designs. Live junction updates and short-circuit warnings during wire dragging provide helpful real-time feedback.
PCB design capabilities also saw some big upgrades. A revamped track tuning system introduces time-domain constraints, enabling more precise signal control. The addition of PCB design blocks allows reusable layout modules, while a new graphical design rule editor simplifies the creation of advanced constraints. Features like pin and gate swapping, inner-layer footprint graphics, and suggested fixes for design rule violations round out a robust set of improvements.
With hundreds of bug fixes and performance enhancements included, KiCad 10 is worth the upgrade. You can snag it for free from the official download page.
R&D, creativity, and building the next big thing you never knew you wanted are my specialties.