Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design is a critical step in electronics development, demanding robust software tools for schematics, layout, and design validation. While proprietary tools such as Altium Designer, Eagle, or Pulsonix have long dominated the professional PCB design market, KiCAD, an open-source alternative, has grown significantly in capability and popularity. Today, KiCAD offers a compelling case for professional use, particularly for engineers and teams looking to balance performance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s a look at the advantages of using KiCAD over proprietary PCB design tools.