KiCad 10 schematic and PCB editor shortcuts

Opens the symbol chooser for adding a component or device. [1]

Chooses a symbol for a supply, ground or another power net. [1]

Draws electrical connections from pins and wire ends. [1]

Starts a bus used to organize groups of related nets. [1]

Adds the diagonal entry between an individual wire and a bus. [1]

Explicitly connects crossing or joining wires. [1]

Names a connected net within the relevant schematic scope. [1]

Labels a net intended to connect across the schematic hierarchy. [1]

Adds a hierarchical signal identifier on the relevant sheet. [1]

Suppresses the expected ERC unconnected-pin violation for that pin. [1]

Adds a subordinate schematic sheet to the hierarchy. [1]

Inserts graphical descriptive text that is not an electrical connection. [1]

Draws graphic linework distinct from electrical wire. [1]

Repositions an object without preserving its connected wire geometry. [1]

Moves selected symbols while adjusting attached wire connections. [1]

Rotates a symbol or selected item counterclockwise. [1]

Rotates the selected item clockwise. [1]

Flips the selected schematic item left to right. [1]

Flips the selected schematic item top to bottom. [1]

Opens the selected schematic item's properties for modification. [1]

Opens editing of the component's value field. [1]

Opens editing of a component's reference identifier. [1]

Select or change the footprint assignment field of the selected symbol. [1]

Runs the field arrangement algorithm for selected symbols. [1]

Repeats the last placed schematic item for reuse. [1]

Switches constrained versus free-angle wire and bus drawing modes. [1]

Flips the orientation of the current corner during drawing. [1]

Opens or hides the hierarchy navigator panel. [1]

Run ERC to flag pin-type, connectivity and other configured electrical-rule problems. [1][2]

Resolve problems rather than simply suppressing rule markers. [1][2]

Distinguish genuine missing wires from intentional no-connects. [1][2]

An input may require a matching power or logic output in the circuit. [1][2]

Choose a footprint matching the actual component and package. [1][2]

Use unique designators corresponding to project annotation rules. [1][2]

Incorrect pin-to-pad mapping can make a PCB electrically wrong despite valid netnames. [1][2]

Local, global and hierarchical labels have different connectivity boundaries. [1][2]

Locate a symbol or net before editing the connection. [1][2]

Navigate between parent schematics and subordinate sheets. [1][2]

Use a dedicated tool to assign packages before PCB placement. [1][2]

The forward-annotation tool transfers changed symbols, connectivity and footprint assignments. [1][2]

Examine pending additions and deletions before confirming the update. [1][2]

KiCad normally links symbols and footprints by persistent internal identifiers. [1][2]

Labels and visually crossing wires can otherwise imply incorrect connectivity. [1][2]

Save the project schematic before updating the board. [1][2]

Select a footprint from the library for a board-only placement operation. [2]

Repositions selected board objects; connected copper may not follow. [2]

Moves a connected footprint while preserving eligible track endpoints. [2]

Rotates a selected footprint or graphical item counterclockwise. [2]

Rotates a selected board item clockwise. [2]

Moves a selected footprint between board faces; route-mode F has another meaning. [2]

Select a footprint by designator and pick it up for moving. [2]

Opens properties for a selected board item such as a footprint or track. [2]

Activates the interactive copper track routing tool. [2]

Fixes and finishes a current interactive track route. [2]

Removes the most recently committed track segment during routing. [2]

Switches corner orientation of an in-progress route. [2]

Inserts a through via during a route and changes the active layer. [2]

Places a via outside the active routing-tool workflow. [2]

Starts drawing the outline of a filled copper zone. [2]

Recalculates zone copper fill following relevant geometry changes. [2]

Removes filled copper, retaining zone outlines for later refill. [2]

Selects the next defined track width within routing settings. [2]

Selects the previous predefined track width. [2]

Maintains connected geometry and uses the interactive router's clearance behavior. [2]

Splits or repositions a segment with highlight-collisions behavior. [2]

Extends track selection through connected copper segments. [2]

Removes a selected track segment; reconnection may be necessary. [2]

Deletes a fuller copper connection selection, which can break electrical routing. [2]

Locks or unlocks selected PCB items to prevent unintended movement. [2]

Cycles normal, dimmed and hidden visibility for nonactive layers. [2]

The boundary is fabrication geometry, not a copper trace. [2][1]

Configure layers and their parameters before intricate routing. [2][1]

Define widths and clearances appropriate for the actual manufacturer and signals. [2][1]

The ratsnest helps locate remaining unconnected net pairs. [2][1]

Synchronize design changes before final verification. [2][1]

Avoid unintentionally deleting or remapping footprints. [2][1]

Check clearances, widths, connections, outline and other configured rules. [2][1]

DRC can be misleading when the copper zones are stale. [2][1]

Investigate rather than simply exclude violations. [2][1]

Check actual pads and nets, not only appearance. [2][1]

Check mechanical or layout dimensions against constraints. [2][1]

Review footprint, pad and other board counts. [2][1]

Verify physical orientation and placement visually. [2][1]

Generate fabrication layers with only the required manufacturing outputs. [2][1]

Ensure drill file settings match manufacturer requirements. [2][1]

Verify layer mapping and exported geometry before releasing a board. [2][1]

Ensure the copper zone connects to the intended net. [2][1]

Passing DRC alone cannot prove the fabricated PCB will be correct. [2][1]

A physically rotated or flipped part may not be obvious from net connectivity. [2][1]

Persist final board edits and zone fills before export. [2][1]

Displays current shortcut list, including customized bindings. [1][2]

Exits the current tool; another Escape may clear selection. [1][2]

Reverses the most recent undoable change. [1][2]

Reapplies a change where an undo step exists. [1][2]

Enlarges the editing canvas around the relevant location. [1][2]

Reduces zoom to inspect a larger area of the design. [1][2]

Fits a view or worksheet area to the current editor viewport. [1][2]

Re-centers the canvas on the current pointer location. [1][2]

Resets cursor-relative distance origin for measurements. [1][2]

Changes to the next defined snapping grid. [1][2]

Returns to the previous snapping grid. [1][2]

Audit or customize shortcuts before relying on a different installation. [1][2]

Context menus expose operations applicable to the selected object or tool. [1][2]

Some unselectable objects are simply excluded by active filters. [1][2]