Turn a clean KiCad board view into a hardware presentation image.
Start with a flat PNG or JPG. Page media shows general RENDERCAD examples, not KiCad footage, interface screens, files, or output.
KiCad 10.0.4 is a free, open-source electronics design automation suite. Its PCB Editor includes a 3D Viewer for inspecting the board with assigned component models. The viewer supports orbit, pan, zoom, standard views, visibility controls, saved appearance presets and viewports, image export or copy, and a slower native raytracing mode.
Use this workflow after the board outline, important footprints, and assigned 3D models are ready in KiCad. A useful source view can show connector locations, component height, solder mask, silkscreen, mounting points, and the relationship between the board and the parts that explain its purpose.
A presentation image can support a product page, launch announcement, design review, datasheet, portfolio, or investor deck. RENDERCAD can explore a controlled background, lighting direction, composition, and emphasis around a sensor, display, connector, or other feature. Keep KiCad as the authority for the board and its engineering decisions.
Open the board in KiCad's PCB Editor and check that the footprints needed in the image have assigned 3D models. In the 3D Viewer, choose a top, underside, angled, or detail view. Use an appearance preset for repeatable visibility and color settings, and save a viewport when the angle and zoom must be repeatable.
Export the current view as an image file or copy the current 3D image to the clipboard. Provide RENDERCAD with a flat PNG or JPEG made from that view. Describe one presentation goal, compare the result with the approved KiCad view, then return to KiCad for board or component changes.
This example uses an Onshape model, not KiCad. Generated motion begins with a finished presentation still, not a KiCad board or 3D Viewer session.
Brush over a connector, label area, board edge, or background and describe the visual change. This edits the presentation image; it does not alter the PCB, footprint, or assigned 3D model.
Try a cleaner studio treatment, stronger contrast, or a different backdrop for the intended audience. Compare each result with the approved KiCad view before using it in product communication.
| Feature | RENDERCAD | KiCad PCB Editor / 3D Viewer |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Generative image models | Real-time 3D viewer with optional raytracing |
| Output | Images + optional video | 3D Viewer image export or clipboard copy; CLI raytraced PNG/JPEG |
| Resolution | HD / 4K | Image size and resolution selected during Viewer export; width and height selected for CLI render |
| Image Speed | About 60 seconds | Interactive view; native raytracing is slower than the default rendering mode |
| Motion output | Generated image-to-video | No documented native image-to-video workflow |
| Scene Set Up | Flat image + prompt | Board, footprints, assigned models, presets, and viewpoint |
| Input | PNG or JPG | KiCad board and assigned component models |
| Hardware | Cloud processing | Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop |
| Install | Web app | Local KiCad installation |
| Cost | From $9/mo | Free and open source |
KiCad creates the board, retains its engineering data and checks, and provides the 3D view. RENDERCAD starts from one flat image and creates a presentation still or optional video.
Choose a saved viewport or clear standard view, apply the useful appearance preset, and show only the layers and component types the audience needs. Confirm that important footprints have visible 3D models before export.
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RENDERCAD™
Upload a PNG or JPG in the browser, or capture the selected KiCad view with the desktop app. The browser extension applies only to browser content. RENDERCAD does not open KiCad project or board files.
Get StartedKiCad files, 3D Viewer preparation, and presentation output
For this workflow, provide one flat PNG or JPEG. RENDERCAD does not open .kicad_pro, .kicad_sch, or .kicad_pcb files, Gerbers, drill files, BOMs, pick-and-place data, or component 3D models.
Export the current view as an image file or copy the current 3D image to the clipboard. Provide RENDERCAD with a flat PNG or JPEG made from that view.
Assign or correct the needed component model in KiCad before creating the source image. Some footprints do not include a model, and RENDERCAD should not be used to guess missing assembly geometry.
Use the view that makes the approved board easiest to read. Real-time mode is interactive; native raytracing is slower but can produce a more attractive source. Export a clean image from either mode.
Only the visible pixels in the PNG or JPG transfer. Hidden geometry, dimensions, nets, layers, rules, DRC results, clearances, placement data, fabrication files, and component models remain in KiCad.
Not necessarily. Generated images can change silkscreen, labels, small components, connector details, spacing, and proportions. Compare the result with the approved KiCad view before using it in a datasheet or product page.
No. Use KiCad for the PCB design data, configured DRC, dimensions, clearances, footprint placement, connectivity, and fabrication outputs. Mechanical fit and manufacturability also require complete, accurate source data and appropriate engineering or manufacturer review. The RENDERCAD result is presentation imagery, not evidence that the board is electrically or mechanically correct.
RENDERCAD can create optional image-to-video motion from the still. It is generated motion, not KiCad navigation or a model-based orbit, and newly revealed areas or small board details can change.