Project-aware instead of file-by-file
Import a supported project folder or archive when schematic, board, libraries, and settings need to stay related. Standalone .kicad_sch and .kicad_pcb files can still enter through their own import paths.
KiCad project and PCB viewer
Open native KiCad projects without flattening them first.
PCBAtlas opens supported .kicad_pro projects, .kicad_sch schematics, and .kicad_pcb boards as real design sources. Keep related files in project context, inspect schematic sheets and PCB layers, and carry the same managed revision between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Android.
Use PCBAtlas for viewing, inspection, revision review, and handoff; keep full schematic capture and PCB layout editing in desktop KiCad.
Schematic and board review in one workspace
Navigate supported schematic sheets, search project objects, inspect board layers and selection details, and use board-level 3D where the imported session provides useful spatial context.
Local-first review across devices
The core viewer path does not require uploading a private KiCad project to a browser service. Review on a phone or tablet at the bench, then organize revisions and delivery work on Mac.
A companion to KiCad, not a replacement
PCBAtlas is read-oriented. Routing, board editing, library authoring, ERC, DRC sign-off, and final design changes remain jobs for KiCad or another full EDA environment.
KiCad
File and review profile
- Source package
- .kicad_pro projects, .kicad_sch schematics, and .kicad_pcb boards
- Review surfaces
- schematic sheets, PCB layers, project search, selection details, revisions, and supported board-level 3D
- Scope boundary
- Viewer and review workspace; full authoring and layout editing remain in desktop KiCad.
PCBAtlas
KiCad source and review compatibility
Choose a complete project when relationships matter, or open a schematic or board directly for a focused review.
| Source | How PCBAtlas handles it | What you can review |
|---|---|---|
| .kicad_pro | Import with its related project folder or archive | Project tree, schematic and PCB context, libraries, settings, and revisions where supported |
| .kicad_sch | Open directly or keep it inside a complete project | Sheet navigation, search, locate and highlight, symbols, pins, wires, labels, and details |
| .kicad_pcb | Open directly as a board source | Layers, nets, pads, vias, footprints, object details, 2D, Data, and supported board-level 3D |
| Project folder / archive | Keep related source files together before import | Managed workspace context and later revisions instead of disconnected files |
Release-device evidence
Measured KiCad board examples
Two anonymized KiCad PCB samples were opened through the same release-device workflow used for the public homepage measurements.
KiCad PCB
- cold open to viewer
- 5.2s
- pickable stable memory
- 200 MB
- layers
- 39
- nets
- 1,800
- tracks
- 6,271
- pads + vias
- 11,351
KiCad PCB
- cold open to viewer
- 15.3s
- pickable stable memory
- 435 MB
- layers
- 37
- nets
- 1,387
- tracks
- 3,258
- pads + vias
- 7,987
Measured on an iPhone 13 standard running iOS 26.5.2 with PCBAtlas 1.0.9. Results describe these specific samples and are not a promise for every file or device. See the shared benchmark context.
KiCad project and PCB viewer
Choose the right KiCad import path
Keep the complete project together when context matters; use a standalone source when you only need one document.
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Use a project folder or supported archive for .kicad_pro, schematic, board, library, and settings context.
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Use .kicad_sch directly when the schematic is the document you need to inspect.
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Use .kicad_pcb directly when you need a board-layer and object review session.
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Append a later source package as a revision so changes stay connected to the same workspace.
PCBAtlas
Continue with a related workflow
Compare the same format on another platform or move to an adjacent design or manufacturing-data guide.
PCBAtlas
FAQ
The fastest way to reduce confusion is to say the boundaries and paid unlocks plainly.
Can PCBAtlas open a .kicad_pcb file without KiCad installed?
Yes. PCBAtlas can import and review supported .kicad_pcb boards on its supported platforms without requiring the desktop KiCad application on that device.
Can it open a complete KiCad project?
Supported project folders and archives can preserve .kicad_pro, schematic, board, library, and settings context. Keep related files together for the most complete import.
Does PCBAtlas edit KiCad boards?
No. PCBAtlas focuses on viewing, inspection, revision organization, and delivery. Use desktop KiCad for PCB layout and schematic authoring.
Do KiCad files have to be uploaded?
No for the core viewer workflow. Supported sources are imported and reviewed locally; optional AI features depend on the service and sharing settings you configure.