kicad-mcp-server/docs/SVG_IMPORT_GUIDE.md

SVG Logo Import Guide

Added in: v2.2.3

The import_svg_logo tool converts SVG vector graphics into filled polygons on a KiCAD PCB layer. This is useful for placing company logos, project branding, or custom artwork on your board's silkscreen or copper layers.

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Tool Reference

import_svg_logo

Imports an SVG file as filled graphic polygons onto a PCB layer. Curves are linearized automatically.

Parameters:

Parameter	Type	Required	Default	Description
pcbPath	string	Yes	--	Path to the .kicad_pcb file
svgPath	string	Yes	--	Path to the SVG logo file
x	number	Yes	--	X position of the logo top-left corner in mm
y	number	Yes	--	Y position of the logo top-left corner in mm
width	number	Yes	--	Target width of the logo in mm (height scales to preserve aspect ratio)
layer	string	No	F.SilkS	PCB layer name (e.g., F.SilkS, B.SilkS, F.Cu, B.Cu)
strokeWidth	number	No	0	Outline stroke width in mm (0 = no outline)
filled	boolean	No	true	Fill polygons with solid color

Returns:

• Polygon count
• Final dimensions (width x height in mm)
• Layer used

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SVG Requirements

Supported Features

• Path elements with M, L, H, V, C, S, Q, T, A, Z commands
• Filled shapes (polygons, rectangles, circles, ellipses)
• Nested groups and transforms
• Cubic and quadratic Bezier curves (linearized automatically)

Recommendations

• Use simple, solid shapes -- avoid complex gradients or filters
• Convert text to paths/outlines before importing
• Ensure shapes are filled (not just stroked) for best results
• Keep the SVG clean -- remove unnecessary metadata and layers

What Will Not Work

• Raster images embedded in SVG
• CSS-based styling (inline style attributes are preferred)
• Complex SVG filters or effects
• Transparency (PCB layers are binary -- copper or no copper)

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Workflow

1. Prepare Your SVG

If starting from a raster image (PNG, JPG):

• Use a vector graphics editor (Inkscape, Illustrator, Figma) to trace the image
• In Inkscape: Path > Trace Bitmap to convert
• Export as plain SVG

If starting from a vector logo:

• Open in a vector editor
• Convert all text to paths (Object to Path / Create Outlines)
• Remove unnecessary layers and hidden elements
• Save as plain SVG

2. Import the Logo

Import my company logo from ~/logos/logo.svg onto the board at position x=25 y=40 with width 15mm on the front silkscreen.

3. Verify Placement

Use get_board_2d_view to preview the board with the logo, or open in KiCAD to check placement.

4. Adjust if Needed

Re-run import_svg_logo with different position, width, or layer parameters.

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Layer Options

Layer	Use Case
F.SilkS	Front silkscreen (most common for logos)
B.SilkS	Back silkscreen
F.Cu	Front copper (logo as exposed copper)
B.Cu	Back copper
F.Mask	Front solder mask opening (exposes copper underneath)
B.Mask	Back solder mask opening

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Manufacturing Considerations

• Silkscreen logos are the safest choice -- no impact on electrical design
• Copper logos will be part of the copper layer and may affect DRC. Ensure adequate clearance from traces and pads
• Minimum feature size depends on your PCB fabricator. Most support 0.15mm (6mil) minimum line width for silkscreen
• Logo size should account for manufacturing tolerances -- very small details may not reproduce well

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Source Files

• TypeScript tool definition: src/tools/board.ts (import_svg_logo)
• Python implementation: python/commands/svg_import.py