Format and feature coverage¶
The strict KiCad PCB parsing format is 20260206. Apple builds automatically migrate working copies of reviewed KiCad 6–9 PCB formats, retain the original source before saving, and show a format-change marker. Unsupported versions or semantics produce explicit errors; changing only the version number is not an upgrade. This rule applies to .kicad_pcb; schematics have separate format checks and upgrade handling.
Import entries¶
| Source | Entry | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Allegro PCB (.brd; Android 1.2.4+) |
File | Import as design data; Board Diff and original-format writeback are unavailable. Other formats sharing this extension are unsupported. |
| DSN, KiCad PCB / PCB Binary (.pcbbin) | File | Design files |
| Standalone KiCad schematic | File | Does not reference missing child sheets |
| Altium PCB or library | File | This pass verified that Library Guide lists this source; files were not tested one by one |
| IPC-2581 XML / ZIP | File | Requires choosing design / manufacturing intent |
| KiCad, ODB++, Gerber / Drill archives | File | Depends on internal structure and package completeness |
| KiCad project directory | Folder | Needs a valid .kicad_pro |
| Manufacturing data directory | Manufacturing-revision entry when applicable on an existing document | Do not mix this with Folder create for a KiCad project |
| SES | No regular library import entry | Do not infer an import button from older Diff material |
Output and platforms¶
| Current option | Category | macOS | iOS / iPadOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNG | 2D image | Files | Photos |
| 2D document | Files | Other Apps | |
| KiCad / DSN | Original source or conversion | Files | Other Apps |
| PCB Binary | Binary board file | Files | Other Apps |
| Gerber / Excellon / Fabrication Package | Fabrication output | Files | Other Apps |
| ODB++ / IPC-2581 | Fabrication output or the matching original-source entry | Files | Other Apps |
| GLB | Visible 3D object meshes | Files | Other Apps |
Options change with source and session capability. Range rules for board files, fabrication outputs, and screenshots differ; see Export and sharing. A format listed in the menu does not guarantee that every input can convert completely.
Workspace coverage¶
- PCB: 2D, Workbench, Data, and 3D when the required geometry is present.
- Schematic: 2D, Sheets, Search, Selection / Details, Problems; supported sources can enter Edit.
- Complete project: Project source tree, PCB / schematic dual canvases, and precise linked jumps.
- Wide shell / narrow shell: change page placement and canvas arrangement, not the output platform.
Last verified¶
2026-09-11: hands-on verification of opening KiCad PCB / project and PNG output. Remaining import items come from the current app Library Guide; output items come from menu and source-routing review. A full import / export matrix was not completed.
2026-10-13: instructions and translations checked against current source; historical screenshots retain their capture dates. This documentation review is not new physical-device or store-purchase acceptance.