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pcb_render

Render a 3D PNG image of a PCB with customizable camera controls for side, zoom, rotation, pan, pivot, perspective, and floor.

Instructions

Render a PCB in 3D to a PNG and return the image plus the saved file path. Supports camera controls: side, zoom, rotate, pan, pivot, perspective, floor.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
panNoPan camera 'X,Y,Z'
sideNoCamera sidetop
zoomNoCamera zoom (default 1)
floorNoEnable floor, shadows, post-processing
pivotNoPivot point relative to board center in cm 'X,Y,Z'
widthNoImage width in px
heightNoImage height in px
rotateNoRotate board 'X,Y,Z' e.g. '-45,0,45' for isometric
sourceYesBoard name from config OR path to .kicad_pcb (or sibling .kicad_sch)
qualityNoRender qualitybasic
backgroundNoBackground: default, transparent, or opaque
perspectiveNoUse perspective projection
Behavior3/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavior. It states the output (image + file path) and lists camera controls, but does not clarify whether the tool modifies any state, requires specific prerequisites, or has side effects. It is assumed read-only but not explicitly stated.

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?

Both sentences are concise and informative. The first sentence covers purpose and output, the second lists controls. No wasted words.

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

Completeness3/5

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

The description does not explain the default behavior for camera controls, the format of the returned image (e.g., base64 string or binary), or the exact structure of the saved file path. Given no output schema and 12 parameters, the description could be more complete.

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 input schema covers all 12 parameters with descriptions, so the description adds little extra value beyond grouping parameters as 'camera controls'. The baseline for 100% schema coverage is 3.

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?

The description clearly states it renders a PCB in 3D to PNG and returns image and file path. This distinguishes it from sibling tools like pcb_crop or pcb_export_layers which produce different outputs.

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

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

The description provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like pcb_crop or pcb_export_layers. It only implies usage for 3D rendering needs.

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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