How to Download KiCad: Complete Installation Guide for Windows, Mac & Linux

Getting KiCad installed on your computer should be straightforward, but I’ve seen enough forum posts from frustrated users to know it doesn’t always go smoothly. Whether you’re looking for the KiCad download for Windows 10, need the KiCad Mac download, or want to set up KiCad on Ubuntu, this guide covers every installation method I’ve used over the years.

I’ve installed KiCad on dozens of machines across every major platform. Let me walk you through exactly what works and help you avoid the common pitfalls.

KiCad Download Quick Reference

Before diving into platform-specific details, here’s what you need to know at a glance:

Platform	Recommended Method	Download Size	Install Size
Windows 10/11	Official installer	~1.5 GB	~6 GB
macOS 12+	DMG from kicad.org	~2 GB	~6 GB
Ubuntu/Debian	Official PPA	Varies	~6 GB
Fedora	COPR repository	Varies	~6 GB
Any Linux	KiCad Flatpak	~1.8 GB	~6 GB

The official KiCad website at kicad.org/download remains the only source I recommend. Third-party download sites often host outdated versions or bundle unwanted software.

System Requirements Before You Download

KiCad runs on surprisingly modest hardware, but meeting these minimums ensures a smooth experience:

Requirement	Minimum	Recommended
RAM	1 GB	2 GB or more
Disk Space	6 GB	10 GB
Display	1280×1024	1920×1080
Graphics	OpenGL 2.1	OpenGL 3.0+

The graphics requirement catches some people off guard. KiCad needs a GPU that supports OpenGL 2.1 with hardware shaders. Intel HD Graphics 2000 and newer work fine. Any dedicated NVIDIA or AMD card from the past decade handles KiCad without issues.

KiCad Download for Windows 10 and Windows 11

The Windows installation is the most straightforward. KiCad officially supports Windows 10 and Windows 11 on both x86-64 and ARM64 architectures.

Step-by-Step Windows Installation

1. Navigate to kicad.org/download/windows/
2. Click the download link for your architecture (most users need x86-64)
3. Choose a mirror—CERN and GitHub typically have fast speeds
4. Run the downloaded installer (approximately 1.5 GB)
5. Follow the installation wizard, accepting defaults

The installer handles everything: the application suite, official component libraries, 3D models, and documentation. When the wizard asks about optional components, I recommend keeping everything selected unless disk space is critical.

Windows Installation Options

During installation, you’ll see several optional components:

Component	Size	Recommendation
KiCad Application	~500 MB	Required
Symbol Libraries	~50 MB	Install
Footprint Libraries	~200 MB	Install
3D Models	~3 GB	Install if space permits
Demo Projects	~50 MB	Helpful for learning
Documentation	~100 MB	Install

The 3D models package is large but worth having. Without it, the 3D viewer shows generic shapes instead of realistic component models—less useful for mechanical fit checking.

Alternative: Windows Package Manager (winget)

If you prefer command-line installation, Windows 10 and 11 support winget:

winget install KiCad.KiCad

This method downloads the same official installer and runs it silently. Updates work through winget upgrade KiCad.KiCad.

KiCad Download for Windows 7

Here’s the honest truth: KiCad 6 and newer versions don’t officially support Windows 7. The installer won’t run, and the KiCad team won’t investigate bugs on this platform.

However, some users have found workarounds. The approach involves installing KiCad on a Windows 10 machine, then copying the entire installation directory to a Windows 7 system along with some additional DLL files. This isn’t supported, and I can’t recommend it for production work, but it does function for basic designs.

If you must use Windows 7, your best option is KiCad 5.1.x, the last version with official Windows 7 support. You can find archived releases at downloads.kicad.org/kicad/windows/explore/stable. Look for versions starting with 5.1.

For any serious work, upgrading to Windows 10 or 11 remains the practical answer. The security improvements alone justify the switch, and you get access to the dramatically improved KiCad 9.

KiCad Mac Download and Installation

KiCad runs excellently on macOS, supporting both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. The current stable release requires macOS 12 (Monterey) or newer.

Standard macOS Installation

1. Visit kicad.org/download/macos/
2. Download the DMG file (approximately 2 GB)
3. Open the downloaded DMG
4. Drag the KiCad folder to your Applications folder
5. Optionally, copy the demos folder to your Documents

The DMG contains everything bundled together: the application, libraries, 3D models, and documentation. No separate packages to manage.

On first launch, macOS may display a security warning since KiCad is downloaded from the internet rather than the App Store. Right-click the application and select “Open” to bypass this once. Subsequent launches work normally.

KiCad Mac Download via Homebrew

For users who prefer package management, Homebrew offers KiCad as a cask:

brew install –cask kicad

This downloads the same official DMG and installs it automatically. Updates work through brew upgrade –cask kicad.

The Homebrew method suits users who manage most of their software through brew. It integrates with your existing workflow and keeps KiCad updated alongside other applications.

macOS Version Compatibility

macOS Version	KiCad 9 Support	Alternative
macOS 14 (Sonoma)	Yes	—
macOS 13 (Ventura)	Yes	—
macOS 12 (Monterey)	Yes	—
macOS 11 (Big Sur)	Via Homebrew	Official builds untested
macOS 10.15 and older	No	MacPorts community build

If you’re running an older macOS version, the MacPorts community sometimes provides builds. Check their repository, but understand that bug reports won’t be addressed by the KiCad team unless reproduced on a supported version.

KiCad Linux Download Options

Linux users have the most installation options, which sometimes creates confusion. Here’s how to choose the right method.

KiCad Ubuntu Installation via PPA

The KiCad team maintains official PPAs for Ubuntu, and this remains my recommended installation method for Ubuntu and Ubuntu-based distributions like Linux Mint and Pop!_OS.

For the stable release:

bash

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kicad/kicad-9.0-releasessudo apt updatesudo apt install kicad

This installs KiCad and its dependencies. The libraries install automatically.

To also get 3D models (recommended):

bash

sudo apt install kicad-packages3d

The PPA stays current with bugfix releases. When KiCad 9.0.1 releases, a simple sudo apt upgrade brings you up to date.

Ubuntu Version Considerations

Ubuntu Version	PPA Support	Notes
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS	Yes	Recommended
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS	Yes	Fully supported
Ubuntu 20.04 LTS	Limited	May need newer dependencies

For testing builds that include fixes not yet in the stable release:

bash

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kicad/kicad-9.0-testingsudo apt updatesudo apt install kicad

KiCad Flatpak Installation

KiCad Flatpak provides a distribution-agnostic installation that works on virtually any Linux system. The KiCad team officially supports Flatpak as their recommended method for distributions other than Ubuntu and Fedora.

To install via Flatpak:

bash

flatpak install flathub org.kicad.KiCad

Or using the direct flatpakref:

bash

flatpak install –from https://flathub.org/repo/appstream/org.kicad.KiCad.flatpakref

Run KiCad with:

bash

flatpak run org.kicad.KiCad

The Flatpak version includes everything: application, libraries, 3D models, and documentation. Updates happen through flatpak update.

Flatpak Advantages and Considerations

Advantage	Consideration
Works on any distro	Larger download size
Sandboxed for security	File access requires configuration
Always current	Slight startup time increase
Multiple versions possible	Configuration path differs

The sandboxing means KiCad’s configuration lives at ~/.var/app/org.kicad.KiCad/ rather than the standard ~/.config/kicad/. If you’re migrating from a native installation, copy your configuration manually.

Fedora Installation

Fedora users can install from the standard repositories, but the version often lags behind. For current releases, use the COPR repository:

bash

sudo dnf install dnf-plugins-coresudo dnf copr enable @kicad/kicad-stablesudo dnf install kicad kicad-packages3d

For testing builds:

bash

sudo dnf copr enable @kicad/kicad-testingsudo dnf install kicad kicad-packages3d

Other Linux Distributions

Distribution	Installation Method
Arch Linux	pacman -S kicad kicad-library kicad-library-3d
openSUSE	zypper from electronics repository
Debian	Flatpak recommended (repo version often outdated)
Manjaro	Same as Arch
Gentoo	Emerge from repository

For distributions not listed, Flatpak provides the most reliable path to current KiCad releases.

KiCad Portable Installation

Many users ask about a KiCad portable version they can run from a USB drive without installation. KiCad doesn’t officially offer a portable build, but you can create one on Windows.

Creating a Portable Windows Installation

1. Install KiCad normally on a Windows machine
2. Copy the entire installation directory (typically C:\Program Files\KiCad\) to your USB drive
3. Copy the user configuration from %APPDATA%\kicad\
4. Run kicad.exe directly from the USB drive

This approach works but has limitations. The configuration paths may cause issues, and you’ll need to adjust library paths manually. It’s useful for occasional access on machines where you can’t install software, but not ideal for regular use.

For truly portable workflow, consider running KiCad on a bootable Linux USB with persistent storage. This provides a consistent, fully-featured environment regardless of the host computer.

Post-Installation Setup

After installation on any platform, the first launch prompts you to configure global settings. Here’s what to do:

First Launch Configuration

1. Accept default library settings: KiCad asks about configuring the global symbol and footprint libraries. Accept the defaults unless you have specific requirements.
2. Data collection opt-in: KiCad may ask about anonymous usage statistics. This is optional and helps the development team understand how the software is used.
3. Verify library paths: Go to Preferences → Manage Symbol Libraries and Preferences → Manage Footprint Libraries to confirm the official libraries are correctly configured.

Recommended Initial Settings

Navigate to Preferences → Preferences and consider adjusting:

Setting	Recommendation
Autosave interval	2-5 minutes
Backup count	5-10 backups
Mouse wheel zoom	Your preference
Canvas backend	Accelerated (if graphics support it)

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Windows: “VCRUNTIME140.dll not found”

This indicates missing Visual C++ runtime libraries. Download and install the Visual C++ Redistributable from Microsoft’s website. The KiCad installer should include this, but occasionally it fails.

macOS: “KiCad is damaged and can’t be opened”

This security message appears when macOS quarantine flags prevent execution. Open Terminal and run:

bash

xattr -cr /Applications/KiCad/KiCad.app

Then try launching KiCad again.

Linux: OpenGL errors on launch

This typically indicates graphics driver issues. Ensure you have proper GPU drivers installed:

• Intel: Usually works with mesa drivers
• NVIDIA: Install proprietary drivers for best results
• AMD: Mesa or amdgpu-pro drivers

For Wayland users: KiCad officially doesn’t support Wayland. Switch to an X11 session, or ensure XWayland is functioning. Bugs encountered under Wayland must be reproduced under X11 before the KiCad team will investigate.

Library paths broken after update

Major version upgrades sometimes change library locations. If symbols or footprints show as missing, re-run the library configuration wizard from Preferences → Configure Paths and Preferences → Manage Symbol/Footprint Libraries.

Essential Resources After Installation

Once KiCad is running, these resources accelerate your learning:

Resource	URL	Purpose
Official Documentation	docs.kicad.org	Complete user manuals
Getting Started Guide	docs.kicad.org/9.0/en/getting_started_in_kicad/	First project tutorial
KiCad Forum	forum.kicad.info	Community support
Official Libraries	gitlab.com/kicad/libraries	Source for library updates
SnapMagic	snapeda.com/kicad	Additional component downloads
Digi-Key Library	github.com/Digi-Key/digikey-kicad-library	Curated component library

Frequently Asked Questions

Is KiCad free download safe from the official website?

Yes. KiCad is legitimate open-source software maintained by a professional development team with support from organizations like CERN and the Linux Foundation. The KiCad free download from kicad.org is completely safe. Windows installers are code-signed, allowing verification of authenticity. Avoid third-party download sites that may bundle additional software.

Can I install multiple versions of KiCad simultaneously?

On Linux with Flatpak, you can install stable and nightly versions side by side. On Windows and macOS, you can install different major versions to separate directories, but managing library paths becomes complicated. For most users, running the current stable release is the best approach.

How do I update KiCad after installation?

Windows users should download and run the new installer—it handles the upgrade automatically. macOS users download the new DMG and replace the application. Linux PPA users run sudo apt upgrade. Flatpak users run flatpak update. Your projects and custom settings are preserved across updates.

Why is the KiCad download so large?

The approximately 1.5-2 GB download includes the application, comprehensive official libraries, thousands of 3D component models, and documentation in multiple languages. This bundled approach means you can start designing immediately without hunting for additional downloads.

Does KiCad require internet access after installation?

No. Once installed, KiCad functions completely offline. Internet access is only needed for downloading additional libraries, checking for updates, or accessing online documentation. Your PCB design work doesn’t require any network connection.

Final Recommendations

For most users, I recommend:

• Windows: Official installer from kicad.org
• macOS: Official DMG from kicad.org (or Homebrew if you use it regularly)
• Ubuntu/Debian: Official PPA for current releases
• Fedora: COPR repository
• Other Linux: Flatpak from Flathub

Install the complete package including 3D models if disk space permits. The few extra gigabytes pay dividends when you’re checking mechanical fit or creating renders for documentation.

Verifying Your KiCad Installation

After installation, verify everything works correctly by launching each component:

Quick Verification Checklist

1. Launch KiCad Project Manager: The main window should open without errors
2. Open the Schematic Editor: Create a new project and open the schematic; try placing a symbol from the library
3. Open the PCB Editor: Verify it launches and displays the empty board
4. Check 3D Viewer: If 3D models installed, open a demo project and view it in 3D
5. Verify Library Access: Preferences → Manage Symbol Libraries should show the official libraries

If any component fails to launch or displays OpenGL errors, revisit the troubleshooting section above.

Demo Projects for Testing

KiCad includes several demo projects that help verify your installation and demonstrate design techniques. On Windows, find them at C:\Program Files\KiCad\share\kicad\demos\. On macOS, they’re in the demos folder from the DMG. Linux installations place them in /usr/share/kicad/demos/.

Open one of these projects, navigate through the schematic, view the PCB layout, and launch the 3D viewer. If everything displays correctly, your installation is complete and functional.

Keeping KiCad Updated

The KiCad development team releases bugfix versions regularly—typically every few weeks for the current stable series. These releases address issues reported by users and improve stability.

Platform	Update Method
Windows	Download and run new installer
macOS	Download new DMG, replace application
Ubuntu PPA	sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Fedora COPR	sudo dnf upgrade kicad
Flatpak	flatpak update org.kicad.KiCad

Your project files, custom libraries, and preferences survive updates. The only exception is major version upgrades (like 8.x to 9.x), where some configuration migration may be needed.

Keep KiCad updated with bugfix releases—they address real issues discovered by the community. The KiCad team releases updates regularly, and staying current ensures you benefit from the latest fixes and improvements.

With KiCad properly installed, you’re ready to start designing PCBs with one of the most capable free tools available. The learning curve exists, but the official Getting Started guide provides an excellent foundation for your first project.