set_footprint_type

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-footprint-type.md

WHAT IT DOES

What set_footprint_type does on KiCAD-MCP-Server

AI agents use set_footprint_type 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_footprint_type is rated Medium

This tool modifies footprint configuration attributes (placement type, exclusion flags) which affects how components are processed in manufacturing workflows. While reversible and localized to footprint metadata, it could impact manufacturing if misapplied (e.g., excluding critical components from pick-and-place files).

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Set[s] the placement type' and controls 'whether the footprint is included in pick-and-place (.pos) output files' and allows 'exclude_from_pos_files to suppress a footprint from .pos exports'.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

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

set_footprint_type Rate-limited

set_footprint_type 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_footprint_type": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_footprint_type_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_footprint_type call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about set_footprint_type

What does the set_footprint_type tool do? +

Set the placement type (through_hole / smd / unspecified) and optional exclusion flags on a placed PCB footprint. The placement type controls whether the footprint is included in pick-and-place (.pos) output files. Use exclude_from_pos_files to suppress a footprint from .pos exports without changing its type. 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_footprint_type? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit set_footprint_type? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the set_footprint_type 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_footprint_type completely? +

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

set_footprint_type 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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