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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about MagicON AI and pcbgenerator.com.

Account and access

Do I need an account?

No account required to use the app.

  • Use all design tools, generate stackups, and create BOMs without signing in.
  • Sign-in is only required when you want to download CAD files (KiCad, ODB++, ADS exports).
  • This is our freemium model: explore and design for free; create an account when you need to export.
What is the free tier vs paid?
  • Free: Use all tools (RF Module Designer, PCB Stackup Designer, PA Selector). No sign-in needed for design and analysis.
  • Sign-in for downloads: Create a free account to download KiCad projects, ODB++, and ADS substrate files.
  • For pricing and paid plans, see pcbgenerator.com/pricing when available.

Using the app

How do I start my first design?
  1. Go to pcbgenerator.com and open the app.
  2. Accept the disclaimer (first-time only).
  3. Choose RF Module Designer (5-phase workflow) or PCB Stackup Designer (layers and materials).
  4. Follow the phases or steps in the UI. For RF Module Designer: enter frequency and power in Phase 1, then continue through Phase 5.
  5. Full walkthrough: Quick Start and Complete User Guide.
Why is component selection slow the first time?
  • First design: May take 10–15 seconds while the component database loads and caches.
  • Later designs: Usually 5–10 seconds or faster.
  • This is normal; the app uses a cloud-based database and AI processing.

Technical

What browsers are supported?
  • Chrome / Edge (recommended)
  • Firefox
  • Safari
  • JavaScript must be enabled. Use a modern, up-to-date browser.
Can I use this offline?

No. The app needs an internet connection for:

  • Component database access
  • AI-driven component selection
  • Export generation (KiCad, ODB++, ADS)
Export failed or page won't load?
  • Check your internet connection and try again.
  • Refresh the page (e.g. Ctrl+Shift+R) or try in a few moments.
  • If the problem continues, contact support@pcbgenerator.com with a short description of what you were doing.
How do I get vendor-accurate (SnapEDA) symbols into my KiCad export?

Your exported KiCad project already opens complete — every part has a generic symbol, so nothing is ever missing. Upgrading a part to its exact SnapEDA symbol + footprint is optional, and the project ships a one-step importer so you do it all from a single folder:

  1. Download the part(s) from SnapEDA — choose KiCad, version "V6 & Later". Keep the .zip (no need to unzip).
  2. Drop every .zip into the project's snapeda_downloads/ folder.
  3. Run the importer: double-click Import SnapEDA parts.cmd (Windows), or run python import_snapeda.py from the project folder. It copies each footprint into SnapEDA.pretty/ and merges each symbol into SnapEDA.kicad_sym — both are already registered, so there is no Manage-Libraries step. Re-running is safe (already-imported parts are skipped).
  4. Point your parts at them in the schematic: Tools → Change Symbols…, set the part's New library identifier to SnapEDA:<part>, then Tools → Assign Footprints. Check that wires still land on the right pins — a real datasheet pinout can differ from the generic symbol.

Full per-project details are in the exported GET_ACCURATE_SYMBOLS.md.

Why does the prepreg (PP) layer show 0.4 mil? Is there FR4 that thin?

0.4 mil is the finished (post-lamination) prepreg thickness, not the base.

  • Fin. Thick column = thickness after lamination (prepreg is compressed).
  • Base Thick column = nominal thickness before lamination (the value from the material list).
  • For FR408HR the thinnest option in our database is 0.05 mm (2 mil) base. After ~1.57 mil compression that gives ~0.4 mil finished, which is what you see in the Fin. Thick column.
  • So yes: we have a thickness option that thin in the sense that the finished bond can be ~0.4 mil; the base (pre-lamination) is 2 mil (0.05 mm) for that option.

Support

How do I get help?

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