annotate_schematic · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What annotate_schematic does on Kicad

AI agents use annotate_schematic 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 annotate_schematic needs a policy

The tool name suggests modifying schematic annotations, which is a write operation on KiCad project data. The description is empty, reducing confidence slightly, but context from sibling write/modification tools and the server's stated purpose of 'read/write' operations supports Write classification.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'annotate_schematic' and server context showing it performs schematic modification (siblings include add_copper_zone, add_global_label, add_hierarchical_label, add_lib_symbol). Annotation typically modifies schematic metadata reversibly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

annotate_schematic Rate-limited

annotate_schematic 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": {
    "annotate_schematic": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "annotate_schematic_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 annotate_schematic

What does the annotate_schematic tool do? +

annotate_schematic. 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 annotate_schematic? +

Register the Kicad MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for annotate_schematic: 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 annotate_schematic? +

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

Can I rate-limit annotate_schematic? +

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

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

annotate_schematic 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.