backannotate_footprints

Copy footprint assignments from a .kicad_pcb back into the schematic

SERVERKiCAD-MCP-Server SOURCEmixelpixx/kicad-mcp-server

Medium RISK CLASS

Category Write

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/mixelpixx-kicad-mcp-server/backannotate-footprints.md

WHAT IT DOES

What backannotate_footprints does on KiCAD-MCP-Server

AI agents use backannotate_footprints 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.

RISK

Why backannotate_footprints is rated Medium

Modifies schematic with footprint data; reversible through undo or re-editing without permanent destruction.

From the tool's definition Copy footprint assignments from .kicad_pcb back into schematic

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs backannotate_footprints 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 backannotate_footprints, this is the rule to start with:

backannotate_footprints Rate-limited

backannotate_footprints 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.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "backannotate_footprints": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "backannotate_footprints_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect KiCAD-MCP-Server, apply this rule, and every backannotate_footprints call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about backannotate_footprints

What does the backannotate_footprints tool do? +

Copy footprint assignments from a .kicad_pcb back into the 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.

How do I enforce a policy on backannotate_footprints? +

Register the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for backannotate_footprints: 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.

What risk level is backannotate_footprints? +

backannotate_footprints is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit backannotate_footprints? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the backannotate_footprints 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.

How do I block backannotate_footprints completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for backannotate_footprints. 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.

What MCP server provides backannotate_footprints? +

backannotate_footprints 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.

KEEP EXPLORING

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