add_pcb_text · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_pcb_text does on Kicad

AI agents use add_pcb_text to create or update resources in Kicad — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Kicad environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_pcb_text needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies PCB design data (text annotations on silkscreen/fab layers) but does not delete, execute code, move funds, or trigger external operations with unpredictable side effects. The changes are reversible and represent normal design workflow operations.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'add_pcb_text' and description 'Add text to the PCB (silkscreen, fab layer, etc.)' indicate creation/modification of PCB design elements. The verb 'add' and action of placing text on specific layers are reversible operations typical of design tools.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_pcb_text Rate-limited

add_pcb_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.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "add_pcb_text": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_pcb_text_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Kicad, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_pcb_text

What does the add_pcb_text tool do? +

Add text to the PCB (silkscreen, fab layer, etc.). It is categorised as a Write tool in the Kicad MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_pcb_text? +

Register the Kicad MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_pcb_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. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_pcb_text? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_pcb_text? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_pcb_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.

How do I block add_pcb_text completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for add_pcb_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.

What MCP server provides add_pcb_text? +

add_pcb_text is provided by the Kicad MCP server (productofamerica/mcp-server-kicad). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.