.KICAD_SCH File Extension
KiCad Schematic
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What is a KICAD_SCH file?
A KICAD_SCH file is a schematic created by KiCad, an open-source electronic design automation (EDA) application used to design printed circuit boards (PCBs). It stores the circuit diagram in a human-readable text format for an electronics project, including components, electrical connections, symbols, labels, and other information that defines the circuit design. Engineers, electronics designers, students, hobbyists, and makers create KICAD_SCH files when designing electronic circuits before laying out a PCB.
More Information
KICAD_SCH files are the primary format for storing schematic designs in KiCad, serving as the logical representation of the circuit that users can check for design errors, link to component libraries, and synchronize with a PCB layout to help ensure the finished board matches the intended design.
The KICAD_SCH format was introduced with KiCad 6, replacing the older .SCH schematic format used by previous versions of the software. The newer format improves readability and maintainability by using a structured text-based syntax. A KICAD_SCH file is typically stored alongside other project files, such as PCB layouts, symbol libraries, and project settings, that together make up a complete KiCad project (.KICAD_PRO file).
How to open a KICAD_SCH file
You can open KICAD_SCH files with KiCad. To open a KICAD_SCH file with KiCad, select File → Open in the Schematic Editor. Once opened, you can edit the circuit, run electrical rule checks, assign component footprints, and prepare the design for PCB layout.
Since KICAD_SCH files are plain text, you can also view their contents with a text editor, such as Microsoft Notepad or Apple TextEdit. However, they will not appear the same as if opened with KiCad.