Files
kicad-mcp-server/docs/SVG_IMPORT_GUIDE.md
KiCAD MCP Bot f047a4e4d1 docs: comprehensive documentation overhaul for v2.2.3
Major documentation update bringing all docs current with the 122-tool,
16-category state of the project (previously frozen at v2.1.0-alpha/59 tools).

New documentation (9 files):
- FREEROUTING_GUIDE.md - autorouter setup, Docker/Podman, all 4 tools
- SCHEMATIC_TOOLS_REFERENCE.md - all 27 schematic tools with parameters
- ROUTING_TOOLS_REFERENCE.md - all 13 routing tools with examples
- FOOTPRINT_SYMBOL_CREATOR_GUIDE.md - 8 creator tools with examples
- SVG_IMPORT_GUIDE.md - SVG logo import tool
- DATASHEET_TOOLS_GUIDE.md - datasheet enrichment tools
- PCB_DESIGN_WORKFLOW.md - end-to-end design guide
- ARCHITECTURE.md - system architecture for contributors
- INDEX.md - documentation table of contents

Updated documentation (12 files):
- README.md - tool count 64->122, feature list, contributor credits
- TOOL_INVENTORY.md - complete rebuild with all 122 tools
- STATUS_SUMMARY.md - updated to v2.2.3 feature matrix
- ROADMAP.md - marked completed milestones, added v2.3+ vision
- KNOWN_ISSUES.md - removed resolved issues, added v2.2.x fixes
- CLIENT_CONFIGURATION.md - added KICAD_MCP_DEV, FREEROUTING_JAR env vars
- LIBRARY_INTEGRATION.md - added symbol and project-local library support
- ROUTER_ARCHITECTURE.md, ROUTER_QUICK_START.md - updated tool counts
- IPC_BACKEND_STATUS.md - updated dates
- JLCPCB_USAGE_GUIDE.md - added cross-reference note
- CONTRIBUTING.md - added ARCHITECTURE.md reference, updated tool count

Archived 10 completed planning docs to docs/archive/.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>
2026-03-21 01:31:44 -04:00

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# 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.
---
## 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
---
## 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)
---
## 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.
---
## 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 |
---
## 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
---
## Source Files
- TypeScript tool definition: `src/tools/board.ts` (import_svg_logo)
- Python implementation: `python/commands/svg_import.py`