35+ commands for AI-assisted design, validation, format conversion, and manufacturing — from your terminal or CI pipeline.
pip install buildwithtracebrew install buildwithtrace/tap/buildwithtracenpx buildwithtraceWorks on macOS, Windows, and Linux. No desktop app required.
chat · ask · agent · plan · review · signalInteractive AI sessions, single-shot queries, automated instructions, and full plan-execute workflows.
convert schematic · convert pcb · convert projectConvert between Altium (.SchDoc/.PcbDoc), KiCad (.kicad_sch/.kicad_pcb), and Trace formats. Full Altium project import.
erc · drc · gerbers · exportRun electrical and design rule checks, generate Gerbers, export to PDF/SVG/BOM/STEP/netlist. No auth needed.
components search · bom enrich · bom generate · dfm checkSearch distributors with live pricing, validate BOMs against stock, enrich missing MPNs, run DFM analysis.
GitHub Action · exit codes · JSON output · headless authFirst-class GitHub Action, structured exit codes (0–10), JSON output mode, headless auth via TRACE_API_TOKEN.
mcp serve · 12 tools · agent plugin12-tool MCP server for Cursor, Claude Desktop, and any MCP-compatible client. Agent plugin via npx.
Drop into any GitHub Actions workflow. Structured exit codes for reliable automation.
name: PCB Checks
on: pull_request
jobs:
validate:
runs-on: ubuntu-latest
steps:
- uses: actions/checkout@v4
- uses: buildwithtrace/cli/github-action@main
with:
command: erc my-board.kicad_sch
- uses: buildwithtrace/cli/github-action@main
with:
command: drc my-board.kicad_pcbname: AI Design Review
on: pull_request
jobs:
review:
runs-on: ubuntu-latest
steps:
- uses: actions/checkout@v4
- uses: buildwithtrace/cli/github-action@main
env:
TRACE_API_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.TRACE_API_TOKEN }}
with:
command: review my-board.kicad_schname: Generate Manufacturing Files
on:
release:
types: [published]
jobs:
gerbers:
runs-on: ubuntu-latest
steps:
- uses: actions/checkout@v4
- uses: buildwithtrace/cli/github-action@main
with:
command: gerbers my-board.kicad_pcb -o outputs/0 success1 error2 auth required3 not found10 violations foundConnect directly to a running Altium Designer instance. Review designs, ask questions, run DFM analysis — all from your terminal.
buildwithtrace altium serveStart the bridge serverbuildwithtrace altium reviewAI design review of the active projectbuildwithtrace altium askAsk questions about your designbuildwithtrace altium dfmRun DFM analysis on the active boardRoute AI through your own Anthropic, OpenAI, or Gemini API key. Keys stored in your OS keychain. No Trace quota consumed.
$ buildwithtrace byok set anthropicStore key in keychain$ buildwithtrace byok use anthropicRoute all AI calls through your keySupports Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI (GPT), and Google (Gemini).
Install in seconds. Works with your existing EDA tools, CI pipelines, and team workflows.