set_active_layer

Set the currently active PCB layer by name (e.g. F.Cu, B.Cu).

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/set-active-layer.md

WHAT IT DOES

What set_active_layer does on KiCAD-MCP-Server

AI agents use set_active_layer 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 set_active_layer is rated Medium

This tool modifies application state (active layer selection) which affects subsequent operations and is reversible—users can switch to a different layer. It does not execute arbitrary commands, delete data, or cause financial impact.

From the tool's definition Tool sets/modifies the active PCB layer state by name (e.g. 'F.Cu, B.Cu'), which changes the current editing context in KiCAD but does not delete or irreversibly destroy data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

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

set_active_layer Rate-limited

set_active_layer 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": {
    "set_active_layer": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_active_layer_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 set_active_layer call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about set_active_layer

What does the set_active_layer tool do? +

Set the currently active PCB layer by name (e.g. F.Cu, B.Cu). 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 set_active_layer? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit set_active_layer? +

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

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

set_active_layer 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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