add_schematic_component
Add a component to a KiCAD schematic
This record as markdown: /tools/mixelpixx-kicad-mcp-server/add-schematic-component.md
What add_schematic_component does on KiCAD-MCP-Server
AI agents use add_schematic_component to create or update resources in KiCAD-MCP-Server, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your KiCAD-MCP-Server environment.
Why add_schematic_component is rated Medium
The tool creates new data (schematic components) within a KiCAD design file. This is a Write operation because it modifies the schematic reversibly without executing external code or deleting data. Severity is medium because misuse could corrupt a design file or introduce incorrect circuit topology, but the effects are generally recoverable through undo or deletion.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'add_schematic_component' and description 'Add a component to a KiCAD schematic' indicate creation/modification of schematic data. This is a reversible write operation—components can be added and later removed or modified.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs add_schematic_component safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and KiCAD-MCP-Server, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For add_schematic_component, this is the rule to start with:
add_schematic_component stays usable, but capped: an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect KiCAD-MCP-Server, apply this rule, and every add_schematic_component call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about add_schematic_component
Add a component to a KiCAD schematic. It is categorised as a Write tool in the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_schematic_component: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches KiCAD-MCP-Server. Nothing to install.
add_schematic_component is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_schematic_component rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for add_schematic_component. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
add_schematic_component is provided by the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP server (mixelpixx/kicad-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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