Use this guide for a project intentionally maintained in KiCad 9. Keep the application and library versions recorded with the release, especially when a project will be reopened later. The objective is a reproducible manufacturing package with reviewed rules and explicit exceptions.
Configure constraints before detailed routing
KiCad 9 places board-wide constraints in Board Setup and supports more specific custom rules. Its manual notes that board-wide minimums remain absolute limits. Set these values from the approved manufacturing construction, then use appropriate net and regional rules for electrical requirements.
Review DRC results and exclusions
Run the Design Rules Checker from Inspect. Review connectivity, rule violations and schematic-to-board differences where applicable. KiCad retains excluded and ignored checks, so inspect those lists as part of release review. A quiet report is meaningful only when its configuration and exclusions are understood.
Reconcile the assembly information
Check the BOM against fitted references and the placement data against the assembly drawing. Confirm bottom-side interpretation, orientation and the exact manufacturer part numbers. Keep optional populations explicit so the manufacturer does not infer variants from missing parts.
Freeze the approved release
Archive the CAD source, required project settings, manufacturing outputs, drawings and review findings. Give the package a revision identifier and identify the approval owner. Later corrections should produce a coordinated revision instead of a mixture of old and new files.
Example: an inherited project with no DRC errors
Before accepting the result, examine disabled tests and excluded violations. Determine whether each exclusion has a valid design reason and whether it still applies after modifications. Re-enable or resolve stale exclusions, then save the reviewed report with the release package.
Design review checklist
- Record the KiCad 9 application and library versions.
- Check board-wide constraints and custom-rule validity.
- Review ignored checks and individual exclusions.
- Archive the reviewed outputs and approval record.
Primary reference
Check the version-specific manual for controls and rule behavior. KiCad 9 PCB Editor manual.