import_symbol

Copy a symbol from one .kicad_sym library into another, with optional rename and overwrite.

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/import-symbol.md

WHAT IT DOES

What import_symbol does on KiCAD-MCP-Server

AI agents use import_symbol 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 import_symbol is rated Medium

This tool writes/modifies library data by copying symbols between .kicad_sym files and permits overwriting existing symbols. While overwrite could be considered destructive in intent, the operation is reversible (the previous symbol can be re-imported or recovered from version control), and the primary design is to add/modify library content rather than permanently delete it.

From the tool's definition The tool description explicitly states it will 'Copy a symbol from one .kicad_sym library into another, with optional rename and overwrite.' The 'copy' and 'overwrite' operations are modification actions that create or alter data reversibly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

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

import_symbol Rate-limited

import_symbol 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": {
    "import_symbol": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "import_symbol_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 import_symbol call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about import_symbol

What does the import_symbol tool do? +

Copy a symbol from one .kicad_sym library into another, with optional rename and overwrite. 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 import_symbol? +

Register the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for import_symbol: 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 import_symbol? +

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

Can I rate-limit import_symbol? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the import_symbol 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 import_symbol completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for import_symbol. 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 import_symbol? +

import_symbol 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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