KiLens

Preview KiCad schematics and PCBs in VS Code, powered by bundled KiCanvas.

Features

• Open .kicad_sch and .kicad_pcb files with zoom, pan, and design inspection.
• Edit unlocked PCB footprint positions and rotations.
• Show unconnected pad airwires with per-net visibility controls.
• Preview KiCad 10 name-only nets without changing the source file.
• Refresh automatically when the document changes.

Usage

Open a schematic or board with KiCAD Viewer. Use the preview controls to inspect it, Space to cycle zoom modes, or Refresh Preview to reload.

Select a PCB footprint to edit X, Y, and rotation, then choose Apply. Arrow keys move it by one grid step; Shift + arrow moves ten steps; R rotates it by 90°. Save the document to keep placement changes. Schematic symbols are read-only.

Airwires use tracks, vias, and saved copper fills. Unfilled zones do not count as connections; custom or chamfered pads may retain extra airwires, and arcs are approximated. Use KiCad for final connectivity checks and DRC.

Development

npm ci
npm run compile-web   # Development build
npm run test-ratsnest # Net adaptation, connectivity, and browser checks
npm run package      # Production build and VSIX packaging
code --install-extension kilens-1.0.0.vsix

Browser checks require Playwright's Chromium (npx playwright install chromium). Use npm run watch-web while developing or npm test for the VS Code web test suite.

The extension provider is in src/web/extension.ts, preview markup and controls in src/web/previewContent.ts, and PCB document edits in src/web/kicadPcbEditor.ts. Viewer assets and connectivity overlays live in media/.

License

MIT. See NOTICE and LICENSE.KICAD-ICONS for third-party attribution.