Kobee Studio

A friendly graphics studio for the boards you build

Open-source KiCad plugin

Kobee Studio

A friendly graphics studio for the boards you build.

An open-source KiCad plugin for clear, well-made PCB labels, symbols, connector overlays, component callouts, QR codes and board artwork.

Kobee Studio began as a maintained evolution of KiBuzzard. I wanted the same editable approach for the other details that make a board easier to understand: connector legends, component callouts, clear warnings, QR codes and artwork that can still be revised later.

View source on GitHub

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Free Open source macOSWindowsLinux

What is Kobee Studio?

A PCB graphics tool that stays out of the way

Kobee Studio started as a maintained evolution of KiBuzzard. It grew out of the next practical problems that appear after plain text: connector legends, component callouts, warning marks and useful board information that should stay easy to edit.

Labels, symbols and quick presets for common board markings
2.54 mm header overlays and component-aware callouts
QR codes, Code 128 barcodes and multilayer artwork

Kobee Studio, feature by feature

A closer look at the tools that make up the studio.

Everyday labels Text containers, padding, end styles and polished board markings.

Kobee Studio symbols and quick labels on a showcase PCB

Symbols and quick labels Common electrical marks and labels that read quickly on a real board.

Title and subtitle Give a main label a clear supporting line without losing the visual hierarchy.

Kobee Studio header overlay on a showcase PCB

2.54 mm header overlays One readable label per pin, with spacing that can fit the real connector.

Kobee Studio component callouts on a showcase PCB

Component callouts and arrays Make LEDs, switches and repeated components easier to identify without covering them.

Kobee Studio QR code and barcode artwork

QR codes and barcodes Put useful, machine-readable information on the board with sensible sizing guidance.

Silk, copper and mask Choose exactly where each item belongs, then edit it again when the board changes.

Why Kobee Studio

Built for real boards

Create practical labels, pin names and markings without treating a text editor like a graphics tool.

Editable in KiCad

The output is ordinary KiCad footprint geometry, so you can keep refining it with the rest of the board.

Open source

Kobee Studio is developed in the open and welcomes bug reports, ideas and contributions.

Feature Breakdown

Labels and symbols

Filled and outline labels with flexible padding, borders and end styles
Searchable quick labels and standalone PCB-safe symbols
Title and subtitle layouts for clearer hierarchy

Board callouts

Single-row 2.54 mm header overlays with editable clearances
Component callouts for passives, LEDs, switches and custom envelopes
Vertical and horizontal component arrays for repeated parts

Artwork and machine codes

Front and bottom silk, copper and solder-mask artwork
QR codes with rounded frames and caption options
Compact Code 128 barcodes with sensible size limits

Have Questions? We’re here to help

What is Kobee Studio?

A quick overview and the basics.

Features

What you can do and how it works.

Help & FAQ

Support, troubleshooting, and common questions.

What is Kobee Studio?

Kobee Studio is an open-source KiCad plugin for creating editable PCB artwork. It is useful for labels, symbols, connector overlays, component callouts, QR codes and barcodes.

Does Kobee Studio replace my footprints?

No. It creates separate editable artwork footprints, so the electrical footprint underneath stays untouched.

Which KiCad layers can it use?

Artwork can be placed on front or bottom silkscreen, copper and solder-mask layers. Pick one output layer for each item.

Which platforms are supported?

Kobee Studio is tested on KiCad 10 for macOS and Windows. Linux uses the same package and is the next platform for full validation.

Where can I report a problem or suggest an idea?

Start in the Kobee Studio docs on this site for installation, tutorials and troubleshooting. For a reproducible bug, idea or contribution, use the GitHub repository.

How do I install it?

Download the PCM ZIP from the GitHub Releases page, then use KiCad’s Plugin and Content Manager to install it from file. The install guide has the short version and source-install steps.

Can I edit what Kobee Studio creates?

Yes. Kobee Studio creates ordinary KiCad footprint geometry. It also saves its settings with the artwork, so selecting one Kobee Studio item and reopening the tool lets you refine it later.

Can I use it for more than silkscreen?

Yes. Each item can be placed on front or bottom silkscreen, copper or solder mask. Choose the layer for the item rather than applying it to every layer at once.

Are QR codes and barcodes suitable for real boards?

The tools include payload checks and practical size limits to help keep marks readable. Final results still depend on the board size, layer, finish and manufacturing process, so use the preview and your fabricator’s limits as the final guide.

Can I use a custom icon or artwork?

The built-in symbol library covers common board marks today. SVG artwork import and a broader icon library are planned next; contributions and icon suggestions are welcome on GitHub.