How to Open .brd and .sch Files in KiCad

This guide explains how to open schematic (.sch) and board layout (.brd) files using KiCad, a free and open-source EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tool. Even if the original design was made using another software (e.g., Eagle or Fusion 360), KiCad supports import options and is recommended for open-hardware development.

🔧 What You Need

  • KiCad 6.0 or later
  • Compatible .sch (schematic) and .brd (board) files

📦 Download KiCad from https://kicad.org

📁 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Install KiCad

2. Open KiCad Project Manager

  • Launch KiCad
  • Click “File → New Project” and choose a directory (if you don’t already have a .kicad_pro file)
  • Alternatively, click “File → Open Project” if you already have a KiCad project

3. Add or Import Files

If your .sch and .brd files are from Eagle or other tools, do the following:

  • File → Import → Eagle Project
  • Select the .sch or .brd file
  • KiCad will automatically convert and create a new project folder

If the files are already in KiCad format:

  • Simply place the .sch and .brd files in the same directory
  • Open the schematic using Eeschema
  • Open the board using PCB Editor

OR

  • From the location where you saved the external .brd file, click to open. birds3-antenna-panel-location

  • In the pop-up box, click Auto-Match Layers. kicad-brd-match-layers

  • Information should now appear in the Matched Layers box. Click OK. kicad-brd-ok

  • With the board design now open, open the schematic editor by clicking the icon kicad-open-schematic-editor

  • With the editor open, go to File » Import » Non-Kicad Schematic. kicad-open-ext-schematic-file

  • Locate the saved location of the .sch file and click Open. kicad-open-schematic-import

  • Now you can edit both files as you please. kicad-open-schematic-open —

📌 Notes

  • Make sure both .sch and .brd files are part of the same project to maintain the netlist connection.
  • Some library symbols or footprints may need to be re-linked if they’re missing from your local KiCad libraries.
  • You can manually link or replace missing components using Preferences → Manage Symbol Libraries or Manage Footprint Libraries.

💡 Tips

  • Use the “Highlight Net” tool to trace signals and check connections
  • Use “Design Rules Check (DRC)” to verify board integrity
  • To generate Gerber files: File → Plot

🆘 Troubleshooting

  • Missing Pads or Symbols? — Ensure you’re using the correct library versions or import compatible formats.
  • Board doesn’t load correctly? — Try importing as Eagle files or contact the original contributor for supported versions.
  • Want to contribute a KiCad-native version? — See our Open Hardware Repo

📬 Still need help? Ask on our GitHub Discussions or join the Telegram group listed on our homepage.