KiCad is a comprehensive and versatile open-source software suite for electronic design automation (EDA). It allows designers to easily create schematics and printed circuit board (PCB) layouts, combining powerful tools with an intuitive interface. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional engineer, KiCad offers a range of features to meet your needs, including support for multi-layer PCBs, advanced footprint management, integrated 3D visualization, and extensive library content.
KiCad can be installed on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, and 20.04 LTS distributions using command-line methods. These methods involve the KiCad PPA, which contains the latest nightly and stable releases of versions 8.0, 7.0, 6.0, and 5.1, or alternative methods such as Snapcraft (snap commands) or Flatpak with the Flathub repository.
Method 1: Install KiCad via APT PPA
Update Your Ubuntu System Before KiCad Installation
Before starting the installation process, it’s crucial to update your system to ensure all existing packages are up-to-date. This will help avoid potential conflicts during the installation. To do this, run the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeSelect APT Installation Method For KiCad
Option 1: Install KiCad from the Ubuntu Repository
Install KiCad directly from the official Ubuntu repository using the first method, which is safe, stable, and recommended for most users. However, this repository version may not offer the latest bug fixes or improvements. To initiate the KiCad installation, input the following command:
sudo apt install kicadOption 2: Install KiCad via KiCad Team PPA
The second method lets you install the latest stable or development version of KiCad directly from the KiCad team’s Launchpad PPA, ideal for users seeking the most current software version. You can install only KiCad 5.1, 6.0, 7.0, or 8.0. The nightly version requires a different installation process. For the best experience, install the 6.0 release.
Select one of the following options to import the desired version:
Note: Only import the version you wish to work with.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kicad/kicad-5.1-releases -ysudo add-apt-repository ppa:kicad/kicad-6.0-releases -ysudo add-apt-repository ppa:kicad/kicad-7.0-releases -ysudo add-apt-repository ppa:kicad/kicad-7.0-nightly -ysudo add-apt-repository ppa:kicad/kicad-8.0-nightly -ysudo add-apt-repository ppa:kicad/kicad-8.0-releases -ysudo add-apt-repository ppa:kicad/kicad-dev-nightly -yOnce you’ve chosen your preferred version, update your repository list with the following command:
sudo apt updateWith the setup complete, you can install the desired version of KiCad. To install the stable release, use the following command:
sudo apt install kicad -yFor those who prefer to install the nightly release, use this command instead:
sudo apt install kicad-nightly -yMethod 2: Install KiCad via Flatpak and Flathub
This section will explore an alternative method for installing KiCad using the Flatpak package manager. Flatpak is similar to Snap, offering a universal packaging format that allows for easy distribution and installation of software across various Linux distributions. This method can provide additional benefits, such as easy updates and sandboxing for improved security.
Note: If your system does not have Flatpak installed, please refer to our guide on How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu for step-by-step instructions on installing the most recent supported version of Flatpak.
Enable Flathub on Ubuntu For Applications (KiCad)
Before installing KiCad through Flatpak, you must enable the Flathub repository, the primary source for Flatpak applications. Enabling Flathub grants you access to various applications, including KiCad. To enable Flathub, execute the following command in your terminal:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoThis command adds the Flathub repository to your Flatpak configuration, ensuring you have access to a wide variety of applications, including KiCad.
Install KiCad via Flatpak Command
With Flathub enabled, you can install KiCad on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 using the flatpak install command. Run the following command in your terminal:
flatpak install flathub org.kicad.KiCad -yThis command installs the KiCad application from the Flathub repository, providing you with the latest software version.
Method 3: Install KiCad via Snapcraft
The last alternative method to install KiCad on Ubuntu is via Snap. For those new to Ubuntu, Snap is a reliable tool for installing and managing software on Ubuntu. This guide outlines the steps to install KiCad, a valuable application for electronic design automation (EDA), using Snap.
Install Snap on Your Ubuntu System
Ensure your Ubuntu system has Snap installed. Canonical, Ubuntu’s creator, developed Snap for efficient software management. If your system lacks Snap, use the command below for installation:
sudo apt install snapd -yInstall the Core Snap
Before installing KiCad, install the ‘core’ snap to ensure all applications work seamlessly. Install the core snap using the following command:
sudo snap install coreInstall KiCad on via Snap Command
Now, you can install KiCad on Ubuntu via Snapcraft. Run the following command to complete the installation:
sudo snap install kicadThis command will use Snap to install KiCad on your system, preparing you for efficient electronic design tasks.
Launching KiCad via CLI Commands or GUI Path
Once you have successfully installed KiCad using either the APT, Flatpak, or Snap method, it’s time to launch the application and start designing your electronic projects. This section will explore the different ways to launch KiCad on your system.
GUI Method to Launch KiCad
Regardless of your installation method, the easiest way to launch KiCad is through your desktop environment’s application menu. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Open the Activities menu (usually in the top-left corner of your screen).
- Click on Show Applications (a grid icon) to view the list of installed applications.
- Locate and click on the KiCad icon to launch the application.
Alternatively, you can use the following methods to launch KiCad, depending on your preferred installation method:
CLI Method to Launch KiCad
If you installed KiCad using the APT method, you can launch it by running the following command in your terminal:
kicadIf you installed KiCad using the Flatpak method, you can launch it by running the following command in your terminal:
flatpak run org.kicad_pcb.KiCadLastly, you can launch Snap installations of KiCad from the terminal using the following command:
snap run kicad
Additional KiCad Commands
This section will discuss updating and removing KiCad on your Ubuntu Linux system. These essential maintenance tasks are crucial for keeping your software up-to-date and managing your system resources effectively.
Update KiCad
To ensure you have the latest features, bug fixes, and performance improvements, it’s important to keep KiCad updated.
To update KiCad on your Ubuntu Linux system, use the corresponding terminal command for your installation package manager. This command will comprehensively check and update all installations associated with that package manager:
APT KiCad Update Method
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeFlatpak KiCad Update Method
flatpak updateSnap KiCad Update Method
snap refreshRemove KiCad
APT KiCad Remove Commands
If you no longer need KiCad on your system, you can remove it quickly. To altogether remove KiCad and its associated data, use the following command:
sudo apt remove kicador
sudo apt remove kicad-nightlyAfter removing KiCad, removing the associated PPA that you used to install it initially is necessary. Depending on the version of KiCad you have installed, use the appropriate command below:
5.1 KiCad Release PPA Remove Command:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:kicad/kicad-5.1-releases -y6.0 KiCad Release PPA Remove Command:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:kicad/kicad-6.0-releases -y7.0 KiCad Release PPA Remove Command:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:kicad/kicad-7.0-releases -y7.0 KiCad Testing Builds (Pre-Release) PPA Remove Command:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:kicad/kicad-7.0-nightly -y8.0 KiCad Release PPA Remove Command:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:kicad/kicad-8.0-releases -y8.0 KiCad Testing Builds (Pre-Release) PPA Remove Command:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:kicad/kicad-8.0-nightly -yNightly KiCad PPA Remove Command:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:kicad/kicad-dev-nightly -yFlatpak KiCad Remove Command
For users who have installed KiCad using Flatpak, removal is as simple as running the following command:
flatpak uninstall org.kicad.KiCadSnap KiCad Remove Command
Quickly remove Snap installations of KiCad by using the following command:
sudo snap remove kicadClosing Thoughts
Throughout this guide, we’ve walked through the steps to get KiCad up and running on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 LTS, covering installation methods via APT, Snap, and Flatpak. Remember, the key to mastering KiCad lies in exploring its features, customizing your workspace, and integrating efficient workflows into your routine. As you venture into your design work, keep the community and available resources in mind for support. Happy designing, and here’s to bringing your electronic projects to life with ease and precision on Ubuntu!