tscircuit/skill
Overview
This skill helps you build, modify, and debug tscircuit (React/TypeScript) PCB designs using the tsci CLI. It focuses on practical workflows: project bootstrap, component discovery, TSX circuit authoring, iterative builds, routing, and preparing fabrication outputs. Use it to choose footprints, place parts, wire nets/traces, and export Gerbers/BOM/PnP for manufacturing.
How this skill works
I guide you to prefer tscircuit primitives and the tsci CLI behavior rather than inventing props or flags. When unclear, I recommend inspecting local project config and running tsci --help or the specific subcommand --help. The workflow emphasizes starting from a template or init, installing components with tsci search/add/import, editing default-exported TSX circuit functions, and iterating with tsci build and tsci dev as needed.
When to use it
- Bootstrapping a new tscircuit project or applying a form-factor template
- Selecting footprints and importing parts from the registry or suppliers
- Placing components, arranging layout, and wiring nets/traces in TSX
- Debugging connectivity, running builds, and resolving DRC/autorouter issues
- Generating exports for documentation, netlists, or manufacturing outputs (Gerbers/BOM/PnP)
Best practices
- Clarify board constraints first: size, power rails, connectors, and manufacturer limits
- Prefer tsci search/add/import for reproducible components; avoid inventing JSX props or fake CLI flags
- Keep circuits as default-exported functions that return JSX and use layout props intentionally (pcbX/pcbY/pcbRotation, schX/schY, layer)
- Use named nets (net.GND, net.VCC) and <trace/> for connectivity; group repeated layouts with <group/>
- Iterate with tsci build frequently; use tsci dev only for interactive visual feedback and tsci snapshot before sharing
Example use cases
- Start a new board using tsci init or select an @tscircuit/common template for a known form factor
- Search and import a connector footprint from the registry, then place and wire it in TSX
- Resolve autorouter congestion by grouping components and adjusting layer or trace widths, then rebuild
- Export SVG/netlist/3D assets and generate Gerbers/BOM/PnP for manufacturing review
- Add or replace a part by running tsci search, tsci add or tsci import, updating the TSX layout, and running tsci build
FAQ
DRC warnings often appear while you iterate. Focus first on correct connectivity and component placement; address DRC issues when preparing for fabrication.
When should I use tsci dev vs tsci build?
Use tsci build for fast compile/validation cycles. Use tsci dev when you need interactive visual inspection or to use the export UI for fabrication outputs.
