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Avinash1286

KiCAD MCP Server

by Avinash1286

Export Gerber Single

export_gerber_single
Destructive

Export selected PCB layers into one Gerber file with kicad-cli, including options for X2 format, netlist, precision, and drill origin.

Instructions

Plot the given layers to a SINGLE Gerber file via kicad-cli (pcb export gerber). Singular sibling of export_gerbers. Exposes the full single-file Plot option set (X2, netlist attributes, DNP fab-layer modes, soldermask subtraction, aperture macros, drill-file origin, precision, Protel extension). Reads the last SAVED state of the .kicad_pcb.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
noX2NoDo not use the extended X2 Gerber format
layersNoLayers to plot, untranslated names e.g. ['F.Cu','B.Cu','Edge.Cuts']
boardPathNoPath to the .kicad_pcb (default: current board)
defineVarNoProject variable overrides as 'KEY=VALUE' strings
noNetlistNoDo not generate netlist attributes
precisionNoGerber coordinate precision: 5 or 6 (default 6)
outputPathYesOutput Gerber file path
noProtelExtNoUse KiCad Gerber file extensions instead of Protel
commonLayersNoLayers to include on every plot (e.g. ['Edge.Cuts'])
drawingSheetNoPath to a drawing sheet override
excludeValueNoExclude value text
excludeRefdesNoExclude reference designator text
includeBorderTitleNoInclude the border and title block
subtractSoldermaskNoSubtract soldermask from silkscreen
useDrillFileOriginNoUse the drill/place file origin
disableApertureMacrosNoDisable aperture macros
sketchPadsOnFabLayersNoDraw pad outlines and numbers on fab layers
hideDnpFootprintsOnFabLayersNoDon't plot DNP footprint text/graphics on fab layers
sketchDnpFootprintsOnFabLayersNoPlot DNP footprints in sketch mode on fab layers
crossoutDnpFootprintsOnFabLayersNoPlot an 'X' over DNP footprint courtyards and strike out their refdes

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already mark the tool as destructive. The description adds that it reads the 'last SAVED state' of the .kicad_pcb, a non-obvious constraint, and specifies the underlying CLI command. It doesn't elaborate on file overwriting, but the destructive hint covers that aspect.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Three sentences, front-loaded with the primary action. Each sentence adds distinct value: function, sibling differentiation, and option summary. No redundant content; the long list of options is still compact and relevant.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's complexity (20 params, output schema present), the description offers a solid high-level overview including the critical saved-state behavior and the option families. Minor gaps like default layer handling remain, but the schema covers parameter specifics.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The schema provides complete descriptions for all 20 parameters (100% coverage). The description groups them into broad categories (e.g., 'DNP fab-layer modes') but adds no syntax, dependency, or default-value details beyond the schema, so the baseline 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Clearly states the tool's function: plotting layers to a SINGLE Gerber file via kicad-cli. The emphasis on 'SINGLE' and the phrase 'Singular sibling of export_gerbers' explicitly distinguishes it from the plural-export sibling.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicitly identifies its sibling relationship with export_gerbers, implying a use case for single-file output. However, it does not explicitly contrast with the similarly named export_gerber tool or mention when not to use it, so the guidance is strong but not fully explicit.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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