move_footprint_text
Move or update a footprint Reference/Value/user text field without moving the footprint.
This record as markdown: /tools/mixelpixx-kicad-mcp-server/move-footprint-text.md
What move_footprint_text does on KiCAD-MCP-Server
AI agents use move_footprint_text 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 move_footprint_text is rated Medium
This tool creates or modifies text metadata reversibly within a KiCAD footprint—changing position and content of reference designators, values, or annotations. These modifications are non-destructive (the footprint itself is not moved; only text is repositioned) and can be undone in KiCAD. This fits the Write category.
From the tool's definition The tool name 'move_footprint_text' and description 'Move or update a footprint Reference/Value/user text field without moving the footprint' indicate it modifies text properties within a PCB design.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs move_footprint_text 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 move_footprint_text, this is the rule to start with:
move_footprint_text 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 move_footprint_text call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about move_footprint_text
Move or update a footprint Reference/Value/user text field without moving the footprint. 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 move_footprint_text: 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.
move_footprint_text 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 move_footprint_text 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 move_footprint_text. 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.
move_footprint_text 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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