create_schematic · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_schematic does on Kicad

AI agents use create_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 create_schematic needs a policy

Creating a schematic in KiCad generates or modifies design project files. This is a write operation (reversible) rather than destructive, as schematics can be edited, reverted, or deleted separately. The high severity reflects that an agent could create unwanted or malformed schematics affecting downstream PCB design and manufacturing, but the operation is not irreversible at the tool level.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_schematic' combined with server description stating it enables 'read/write, analysis, and exports' for 'schematic, PCB, symbol, footprint, and project automation.' Sibling tools include add_* operations (add_copper_zone, add_label,…

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_schematic Rate-limited

create_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": {
    "create_schematic": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_schematic_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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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 create_schematic

What does the create_schematic tool do? +

create_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 create_schematic? +

Register the Kicad MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_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 create_schematic? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_schematic? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_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 create_schematic completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for create_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 create_schematic? +

create_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.