PCB ReTrace

Up until now, you could successfully map components and extract a KiCad-compatible netlist. But let’s be honest—while a netlist is great, what we really want when reverse engineering a board is a readable schematic diagram.

What is Schema ReTrace?

I've updated the web app to include a built-in schematic generator. Now, instead of just exporting a raw netlist and trying to visualize the connections in your head (or relying solely on external tools), you can generate schematic diagrams right alongside your board photos.

How it works:
Schema ReTrace takes the data you've already painstakingly mapped out — your identified components and traced nets—and turns it into a visual schematic.

• Seamless Integration: As you trace nets and assign component pins in the main view, Schema ReTrace can process those connections.
• Visual Validation: It makes it infinitely easier to spot mistakes. If a schematic looks incredibly weird, you'll see it visually rather than hunting through rows of netlist data.
• 100% Client-Side: Just like the rest of PCB ReTrace, this runs entirely locally in your browser. No data is sent to any servers, keeping your reverse-engineering projects completely private.

• Live Web App: You can try it right now a thttps://pcb.etaras.com/
• Source Code: Check out the repo on GitHub: https://github.com/dev-lab/pcb-retrace

Just pushed a big workflow upgrade for tracing nets. The Inspector now includes Smart Naming to automate the tedious part of documenting connectivity.

• Auto-Suggestions: When you add a net node, the tool auto-generates the name (e.g., R1.1). It calculates distance and angle to pick the right component, and even handles board rotation and bottom-side mirroring automatically.
• Collision Handling: If R1.1 is already taken, it smartly suggests R1.2.
• Cheat Sheet: Added a built-in pinout guide (click the ? in the input box) so you don't have to remember things like Tantalum polarity.

Note: This magic relies on your Component REFs. The more components you map in the BOM first, the smarter the suggestions become!

Try it out: https://pcb.etaras.com/studio.html