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KiCAD vs. Flux

Are you a KiCAD user considering Flux? This guide outlines some key differences to help you make your decision.

What makes
`Flux`⁠
different from KiCAD?

Share projects & get feedback quickly

In KiCAD, files remain on your computer and sharing and getting feedback often involves sharing screenshots via emails and Slack conversations. Version control is also very difficult, especially when working with others.

In Flux, sharing with clients, manufacturers, collaborators, and other stakeholders is as easy as sharing a link.

Flux works similar to Google docs. Invite others to collaborate, control permissions, and

drop comments⁠

right where the action is.

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Automated version control⁠

makes it easy to track every single change that you or a collaborator makes and revert the document to a previous state.

Flux has an active community of experts who are ready to give design feedback. Feel free to

join the Slack Community⁠

You can even embed Flux files in pages like this.

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Library management that just works

In KiCAD, you have to maintain multiple libraries which can become extremely time-consuming to keep up to date. When sharing KiCAD designs sometimes projects will break because the reference library isn’t linked.

In Flux, there’s a single unified library that’s being constantly updated and improved upon by the community. This allows you to easily use other people’s vetted parts instead of making your own.

Parts in Flux help you stay organized by keeping all the important data in one place that stays in sync.

Parts can contain a footprint, 3D model & other assets, real-time availability & pricing, simulator models, infinite properties, documentation, internal schematic diagrams and more.

In Flux, whenever parts you’re using are updated, you’re notified and given the option to accept or reject part updates.

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Fork designs instead of starting from scratch

In KiCAD, it’s difficult to find parts and projects to start with. Even when you find a reference project, you need to go through several steps to import the project, libraries, and everything you need to get started.

In Flux, all public projects and parts can be forked and built upon with the click of a button. Similar to GitHub, Flux has been built with reusability in mind from the very beginning.

Get started quickly forking these

popular projects⁠

including templates for manufacturers, projects, parts, and modules.

Flux makes it easy to go from prototype to custom PCB design using a

dev board templates⁠

for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and ESP32 platforms and more.

Sub-layouts are reusable blocks of traced PCB design that can also be used as a starting place for custom PCB designs using dev boards.

Learn more⁠

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All-in-one workflow that stays in sync

In KiCAD, library management, schematic editing, PCB editing, and simulation feel like completely different flows. It’s hard to keep track of everything and make sure your project stays in sync.

In Flux, the schematic editor, BOM, PCB editor, and simulator all work in one workflow that stays in sync in the browser. There’s also a version control system that makes it easy to revert changes.

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Get Started
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Web-based app really performant?

Yes. Backed by a powerful 3D WebGL rendering engine that supports very large projects, we take performance seriously. Plus the Web comes with special powers, like real-time updates and seamless collaboration.

I don’t want a bunch of people in my design file...

Just like Google Docs, files are private unless you choose to share them with others. This means that you choose how collaborative you want to be within Flux. Sharing Flux projects has a lot of benefits: you can get instant feedback via comments directly in your design, so that means no more exporting PDFs and consolidating feedback.

I don’t have time to migrate my part library...

Flux has a community generated part library so you should be able to find the parts you need. We also support importing KiCAD format parts should there be anything missing. If you need help, feel free to request parts in our Slack Community in the #request-a-part channel or request parts using this form.

How much does Flux cost?

It’s Free. Flux has a free tier that is fully featured, meaning you can do everything the pros do right out of the box. You can upgrade to pro for $12/mo to have access to more than 10 private projects, or continue to use Flux free with unlimited private projects. You can learn more about pricing

here⁠

How do I get help if I get stuck?

We have great

documentation⁠

, examples,

Flux Youtube Channel⁠

Overshoot Tutorials⁠

, and a

Slack Community⁠

full of people willing to help!

Are there any educational discounts?

Yes! If you’re a student or an educator you can access our professional tier for free by signing up with an edu email.

Ok, I’m ready. How do I make the switch?

Making the switch to Flux is easy. Create a

free Flux account⁠

, find a template, and give it a test drive. Need a little more help? Check out this KiCAD to Flux Crash-course.

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Get Started

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Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.

Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (

CtrlP

) instead.