KiCad 8.0 launches with expanded library, enhanced compatibility, and various improvements

KiCad, the open source electronics design automation suite, has launched version 8.0, introducing numerous new features, enhancements, and bug fixes. The library in KiCad 8 has been expanded with over 1500 new symbols and 760 footprints, along with thousands of updates to refine existing parts.

The software continues to enhance its compatibility, now offering the ability to import full projects and libraries from several other tools, including EasyEDA Standard and Pro editions, CADSTAR symbol and footprint libraries, Solidworks PCB board files, Altium Designer symbol and integrated libraries, EAGLE symbol libraries, and LTSpice schematics.

The schematic and symbol editors in KiCad 8 now support the importation of vector graphics (DXF and SVG), and a new shape healing feature has been added to the PCB editor. This release also introduces new data export possibilities, improvements to the command-line interface (CLI), and enhancements to the documentation.

Further improvements have been made to the schematics and symbols, the simulation, PCBs and footprints, along with other smaller changes and enhancements. As per KiCad's stable release policy, active maintenance for KiCad 7.x will be discontinued. The team will focus on releasing bug fix versions of KiCad 8.x over the next year while developing new features for KiCad 9.