export_gerbers · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What export_gerbers does on Kicad

AI agents use export_gerbers 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 export_gerbers needs a policy

While the description is empty, the tool name and server context indicate this generates Gerber format export files from a PCB design. This is a Write operation (creates output files) rather than Read (no side effects) or Destructive (files can be regenerated).

From the tool's definition Tool named 'export_gerbers' on a KiCad PCB automation server. Gerber files are manufacturing outputs that represent PCB layers and are used to fabricate physical boards. Exporting gerbers writes/generates manufacturing data files.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

export_gerbers Rate-limited

export_gerbers 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": {
    "export_gerbers": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "export_gerbers_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 export_gerbers

What does the export_gerbers tool do? +

export_gerbers. 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 export_gerbers? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit export_gerbers? +

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

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

export_gerbers 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.