FAQ

What does this tool do?

Translates electrical schematics between Cadence OrCAD Capture's EDIF export format and KiCad's .kicad_sch, in both directions.

What's supported?

• EDF → kicad_sch: upload one EDF file. Multi-page designs come back as a .zip with one sheet per page automatically.
• kicad_sch → EDF: upload one file for a simple design, or select all sheet files (or a .zip of them) for a hierarchical one. The root sheet is detected automatically.
• Buses, power symbols, common pin types, and multi-page/hierarchical designs are all well-tested via an automated regression suite.

Why did my conversion fail?

The tool is around 90% complete — some EDIF or KiCad constructs it hasn't seen yet can still trip it up. If it fails, please use the feedback box on the result page (tick "leave this file on the archive" first so there's something to look at) or email support@kicadtranslator.com.

For a hierarchical design, why did part of my sheet come out empty?

If a referenced sub-sheet file was missing from the upload, that part of the output is simply left empty rather than failing the whole conversion — check that every sheet file was included (or use the .zip option).

Is my file stored?

Not by default — it's processed and deleted immediately after conversion. If you tick "leave this file on the archive," it's kept for up to 7 days for debugging, then permanently deleted, and you get a ticket number to reference in feedback.

Are there limits?

20 MB total per upload, and a short wait required between conversions per visitor.

Is this affiliated with KiCad or Cadence?

No — independent, unofficial project, not affiliated with either.