PCB Schematic Cross-Probe — Bridge Your Circuit Design and Board Layout

What is Cross-Probing?

Cross-probing is the ability to select a component or net in one view and instantly see it highlighted in another. In MakerSuite 3D, you can click a resistor on your schematic diagram and immediately find it on the 3D PCB layout — or click a component on the board to jump to its schematic symbol. This bridges the gap between logical circuit design and physical board layout.

How Cross-Probing Works in MakerSuite 3D

MakerSuite 3D matches components between PCB and schematic views using reference designators (R1, U2, C5, etc.). When you upload both a PCB file (.kicad_pcb, .brd) and a schematic file (.kicad_sch, .sch), the viewer links every component across both views. Click any part in either view to cross-reference it instantly.

Key Features

• Component Cross-Reference — Click a symbol in the schematic to highlight the same component on the 3D PCB, with camera auto-focus
• Net Tracing — Select a net in the schematic to see all connected wires, then trace the same net's copper tracks on the PCB
• Bidirectional Navigation — Works both ways: schematic→PCB and PCB→schematic, with synchronized selection state
• Multi-Format Support — Cross-probe works with KiCad, Eagle, and any format pair where reference designators match
• Design Review Integration — Combined with DRC, BOM comparison, and net highlighting for comprehensive design review
• Zero Installation — Both viewers run in your browser. No EDA software needed to review designs

How to Cross-Probe

1. Open pcbviewer.app — No installation or signup required
2. Upload or drag-and-drop your PCB file (.kicad_pcb, .brd, .json, or .PcbDoc)
3. Upload the matching schematic file (.kicad_sch or .sch) using the schematic drop zone
4. Click any component in either view — it highlights in both the schematic and 3D PCB
5. Use the sidebar Parts list to search and jump to any component across both views

Why Cross-Probing Matters for Design Review

Design review without cross-probing means manually searching for components across separate tools. With MakerSuite 3D, reviewers can verify schematic-to-layout consistency in seconds. Trace a power rail from the schematic through the PCB copper, confirm that decoupling capacitors are placed near their ICs, or verify that high-speed signal routes match the schematic intent — all in one browser tab.

Use Cases

• Design review: Verify that every schematic connection is correctly routed on the PCB layout
• Debugging: Trace a failing signal path from schematic logic through physical copper traces
• Education: Learn how schematic symbols map to real components on a physical board
• Collaboration: Share a cross-probe link so teammates can review both views without installing any software
• Component placement review: Check that critical components (regulators, connectors, ICs) are positioned correctly relative to their schematic connections

Privacy

Both the PCB and schematic viewers process files entirely in your browser. No files are uploaded to any server. Cross-probing happens client-side using reference designator matching. Your designs remain completely private.