Pre-Fab PCB Review Checklist

Catch common PCB design mistakes before you order the board

Problem

Hardware developers often miss low-level but expensive errors right before ordering boards, such as footprint mismatches, ignored DRC items, and silkscreen over pads. Someone built a KiCad plugin specifically to 'catch PCB mistakes before you order the board', confirming real demand and that existing checks aren't convenient enough.

Solution

A lightweight plugin/CLI reads KiCad project files and checks configurable rules: footprint-pad consistency, critical net widths, silkscreen vs. solder mask conflicts, drill-to-edge clearance, and BOM-reference designator alignment. It outputs an annotated HTML report with screenshots that can be sent to the fab or reviewed by the team.

Users

Indie hardware developers, small hardware teams, KiCad users

MVP

Parse KiCad PCB file format; implement the 10 most common check rules; generate annotated HTML reports; support both CLI and KiCad plugin entry points; provide a rule toggle config file

Revenue

Open-source core plugin plus paid cloud reports/team rule library subscriptions; or annual plans for hardware teams ($99–$299/year) with enterprise custom rule support

Why now

KiCad adoption is growing and small-batch prototyping is more common. One failed board costs hundreds to thousands of dollars, and a checking tool that catches issues before the fab adds clear value. A solo developer can differentiate through the rule library.