Which MIME types are related to file extension ".kicad_pcb"?
The .kicad_pcb file extension is associated with 2 MIME types:
text/x-common-lisp, text/plain.
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
About .kicad_pcb Files
KICAD_PCB files are used by KiCad to store printed circuit board layouts.
They save design data in a plain text format that is easy to read and edit. Some files use a Lisp-like structure, as shown by the MIME type text/x-common-lisp.
Other files use the standard text/plain type for storing PCB layout details.
- Main use: Creating and editing PCB designs in the KiCad EDA suite.
- Content: Coordinates, component placements, trace routes, and layer information.
- Software: Open or modify with KiCad or any basic text editor.
Relationship between file extension and MIME type
A file extension is a suffix at the end of a filename that indicates what type of file it is. File extensions help both users and operating systems identify what application should be used to open the file.
File extensions are typically separated from the filename by a period (dot) and consist of 2-4 characters, though they can be longer. For example, in the filename "document.pdf", ".pdf" is the file extension.
File extensions are closely related to MIME types, as they both serve to identify the format of a file. However, while MIME types are used primarily by web browsers and servers, file extensions are used by operating systems and applications.
Associated MIME types
text/x-common-lisp, text/plain
FAQs
What software do I need to open a .kicad_pcb file?
The primary software for opening and editing these files is the KiCad EDA suite, specifically the PCB Editor module. Since the file uses a plain text structure, you can also view the raw code using text editors like Notepad++, Sublime Text, or Visual Studio Code.
How do I convert a .kicad_pcb file to Gerber files for manufacturing?
To manufacture a board, you must export the design to the Gerber format. Open the file in KiCad PCB Editor, navigate to File > Fabrication Outputs > Gerbers (or Plot), and select the necessary layers. This generates standard Gerber files accepted by most PCB fabrication houses.
Why does the file look like code when I open it in a text editor?
KiCad saves designs in a human-readable text format based on S-expressions, which is why it is associated with the MIME type text/x-common-lisp. This design choice makes the files lightweight and highly compatible with version control systems like Git. You can read more about text formats at mime-type.com.
Can I open a .kicad_pcb file in Altium Designer?
Yes, Altium Designer includes an 'Import Wizard' that supports KiCad files. It effectively translates the .kicad_pcb layout and associated components into Altium's native format, allowing you to continue working on the design in a different environment.
Why won't my .kicad_pcb file open in an older version of KiCad?
KiCad file formats change with major updates (e.g., moving from version 5 to 6 or 7). Files saved in a newer version of KiCad are typically not backward compatible with older versions. You will need to upgrade your software to open the file.
What MIME type should be used for serving .kicad_pcb files?
Because the file content is essentially code, servers often use text/plain or text/x-common-lisp. However, for application-specific downloads, some administrators configure a custom type like application/x-kicad-pcb. For general text configuration, see text/plain.
General FAQ
What is a MIME type?
A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.
MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.
MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.
How do I find the MIME type for a file?
You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.
Why can one extension have multiple MIME types?
Different programs and historical usage may assign various MIME identifiers to the same file format. Listing them together helps maintain compatibility across tools.