Design circuit boards with code

Write hardware like software. atopile is a language, compiler, and toolchain for electronics—declarative .ato files, deep validation, and layout that works natively with KiCad.

Why atopile

• Reusable modules instead of starting from scratch every time
• Capture intent with equations directly in your design
• Automatic parametric picking of discrete components

Install

The easiest way is via the editor extension—it installs and manages ato for you:

• VS Code/Cursor extension: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=atopile.atopile

Advanced setups and CLI installs: https://docs.atopile.io/atopile/guides/install

Quickstart (2 minutes)

1. Install the extension (link above)

2. In the editor, run “atopile: Open Example” and pick one

3. Press the ▶ in the ato menu bar to build, or run ato build from the terminal

4. Open layout when ready

Notes:

• The ato menu bar is in the bottom-left of your VS Code/Cursor window
• KiCad is optional to get started. Without it, you won’t open the PCB, but builds still run and update the .kicad_pcb. Install later when you’re ready for layout: https://docs.atopile.io/atopile/quickstart

How it works

• ato is a declarative language for electronics: modules, interfaces, units, tolerances, and assertions
• The compiler solves constraints, picks parts, runs checks, and updates your KiCad layout
• The extension adds language services and one‑click controls

Learn more: https://docs.atopile.io/atopile/essentials/1-the-ato-language

Where atopile fits in

High-level steps:

• Requirements — capture specs with units, tolerances, and assertions
• Component selection — parametric picking, reuse proven modules
• Design capture — .ato modules and interfaces compose your system
• Layout — place and route in KiCad
• Checks — run design checks locally or in CI
• Build outputs — BOM, fabrication and assembly data, reports
• PCB fab/assembly — send outputs to your manufacturer

Example Projects

• Open examples via the editor (“atopile: Open Example”) https://github.com/atopile/atopile/tree/main/examples
• NONOS — Open-source smart speaker https://github.com/atopile/nonos
• DSP - Open-source multi-channel DSP https://github.com/atopile/dsp
• AI-Pin — Vibe-coded Humane Pin https://github.com/atopile/ai-pin
• Hyperion — 300K nit display for raves https://github.com/atopile/hyperion
• Cellsim - 18 channel battery cell simulator https://github.com/atopile/cellsim
• ESPaper - ESP32 epaper display driver https://github.com/atopile/hivehaus/tree/master/src/products/espaper

Packages and parts

• Browse and install modules from the registry: https://packages.atopile.io
• Guide: https://docs.atopile.io/atopile/essentials/4-packages
• Publish your own: https://docs.atopile.io/atopile/guides/publish

Compatibility

• OS: macOS, Linux, Windows (WSL recommended)
• Recommended editors: VS Code / Cursor
• EDA: KiCad recommended for layout; not required to start

Contributing and development

• Development setup: https://docs.atopile.io/atopile/guides/development
• Editable install (for working on atopile itself): https://docs.atopile.io/atopile/guides/install#editable-installation-best-for-development
• Run tests:

pytest -q

• Fast worktree setup (CoW-clone .venv + Zig cache/output, then path rewrite):

ato dev worktree <suffix>
cd ../atopile_<suffix>
source .venv/bin/activate
ato --help

By default this command starts an interactive shell in the new worktree. Pass --no-cd to skip shell handoff.

• Issues and feature requests: https://github.com/atopile/atopile/issues

Support

• Discord “help” channel: https://discord.gg/CRe5xaDBr3
• Commercial support: hi@atopile.io

License

MIT. See LICENSE.