add_zone
Create a copper fill zone (pour) on a PCB layer for a specified net.
This record as markdown: /tools/mixelpixx-kicad-mcp-server/add-zone.md
What add_zone does on KiCAD-MCP-Server
AI agents use add_zone 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_zone is rated Medium
This tool creates new PCB design elements (copper pour zones) which are reversible modifications to circuit board data. It does not execute arbitrary commands, delete data irreversibly, or move financial resources. While it modifies the design, these changes can be undone in KiCAD.
From the tool's definition The tool "Create a copper fill zone (pour) on a PCB layer" performs a create operation that modifies PCB design data. The verb "Create" and the action of adding a copper pour zone indicates a reversible modification to the circuit board design.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs add_zone 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_zone, this is the rule to start with:
add_zone 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_zone call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about add_zone
Create a copper fill zone (pour) on a PCB layer for a specified net. 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_zone: 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_zone 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_zone 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_zone. 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_zone 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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