KiCad Releases Version 10.0 with Updates Across Libraries, UI, and PCB Design Tools

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The KiCad development team announced the release of Version 10.0.0 on March 20, 2026, introducing new features, usability improvements, and bug fixes. KiCad 10 includes changes and additions from hundreds of developers, translators, library contributors, and documentation submitters. There were 7,609 unique commits made that changed code and translations, an increase from Version 9.

Library and data updates

Developments in the official KiCad libraries include a shift to STEP as the default 3D model format, with Version 10 shipping STEP files only. This reduces installation size and improves geometric accuracy and consistency between visualization and exports.

The libraries include 952 new symbols, 1,216 new footprints, and 386 new 3D models. Most footprints are now generated from data rather than drawn manually, accounting for over 78% of all footprints. Integrated generators now produce both 3D model data and footprints from the same definitions. The median merge request processing time was reduced from three days to 18 hours, with 2,105 new merge requests in 2025 compared to 2,010 in 2024.

General interface and workflow changes

KiCad 10 introduces dark mode support for Windows, following system-level theme settings. Users can customize toolbars in editor windows, allowing rearrangement of the interface. Dialog boxes now support undo and redo actions before closing. A lasso or freeform selection mode is available in both PCB and schematic editors. The software also adds new importers for designs from Allegro, PADS, and gEDA/Lepton PCB.

Schematic editing updates

Support for design variants allows tracking different versions of a single project with shared schematics but different properties, such as bills of materials. Wire crossings that are not connected can now be displayed as “hop-over” arcs. Live junction updates are shown when dragging items, along with warnings when wires may cause short circuits.

Jumper definitions allow sets of symbol pins and footprint pads to be internally connected without showing ratsnest lines in the PCB editor. Additional updates include grouping support in the schematic editor, CSV import and export for symbol pin tables, and features such as local power symbols, drag-and-drop image support, multiple symbol body styles, and simulator plotting improvements.

PCB design updates

KiCad 10 introduces updates to the track tuning system, including support for time-domain constraints instead of only length constraints, and tuning profiles for defining per-layer routing parameters. Design Blocks have been extended to the PCB editor, allowing users to create and manage libraries of board layouts.

Support has been added for inner-layer objects in footprints, enabling graphical shapes and keepouts on internal layers. Pin and gate swap functionality allows forward and back annotation of changes between the schematic and PCB. A graphical design rule editor enables creation of custom design rules in a visual workflow, compatible with the existing custom rules language.

Additional features

Other additions include support for barcodes, hatched fills in graphic shapes, precise polygon point editing, suggested fixes for DRC errors, 3D PDF export, and native rounded rectangles.

Click here to download the KiCad 10.