export_pcb_dxf
Plot the PCB layout to DXF via kicad-cli, exposing the full layer-plot option set (layer + common-layer lists, refdes/value exclusion, soldermask subtraction, use-contours, use-drill-origin, border+title, output units, DNP fab-layer modes, drill shape, single/multi output modes). Reads the last S...
This record as markdown: /tools/mixelpixx-kicad-mcp-server/export-pcb-dxf.md
What export_pcb_dxf does on KiCAD-MCP-Server
AI agents call export_pcb_dxf to retrieve information from KiCAD-MCP-Server without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Why export_pcb_dxf is rated Low
This tool exports/plots the PCB layout to a DXF file. It reads the existing PCB file state and generates an output file, which is a read/export operation. While it creates a new DXF file, this is a non-destructive export with no side effects on the source data. The description explicitly states it only reads the last saved state. Severity is low since misuse would at worst generate an undesired export file.
From the tool's definition 'Plot the PCB layout to DXF via kicad-cli' and 'Reads the last SAVED state of the .kicad_pcb'
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs export_pcb_dxf 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 export_pcb_dxf, this is the rule to start with:
export_pcb_dxf is read-only, so it stays allowed. 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 export_pcb_dxf call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about export_pcb_dxf
Plot the PCB layout to DXF via kicad-cli, exposing the full layer-plot option set (layer + common-layer lists, refdes/value exclusion, soldermask subtraction, use-contours, use-drill-origin, border+title, output units, DNP fab-layer modes, drill shape, single/multi output modes). Reads the last SAVED state of the .kicad_pcb. It is categorised as a Read tool in the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for export_pcb_dxf: 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.
export_pcb_dxf is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the export_pcb_dxf 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 export_pcb_dxf. 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.
export_pcb_dxf 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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