Hardware engineers working with KiCad have long struggled with version control systems designed for software. Traditional Git workflows fail to visualize changes in PCB layouts and schematics, making collaboration cumbersome. Paplix, launching today, directly addresses this gap with purpose-built tools for hardware development.

Seeing Changes Component by Component

Paplix introduces visual diffs that highlight modifications at the component level across PCB layouts and schematics. Unlike text-based comparisons, designers see exactly which capacitors, resistors, or connectors were added, removed, or repositioned between revisions. This granular visibility streamlines design reviews and reduces debugging time.

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Conflict Resolution Without Command Lines

The platform’s standout feature is intelligent conflict resolution. When branch merges clash—like competing component placements—Paplix enables selective adoption of changes per element rather than file-level overwrites. Designers choose which version’s modifications to retain for each conflicted component via a graphical interface.

Native KiCad Integration

A dedicated KiCad plugin embeds version control directly into the design environment. Engineers save snapshots with one click, browse revision history, and restore prior versions without terminal commands. The plugin supports:
- Built-in hosting for zero-configuration setup
- Automatic synchronization across team members
- Compatibility with KiCad 7 and 8

Flexible Deployment Options

During its launch phase, Paplix offers a free cloud tier with unlimited repositories. Future availability includes:

Tier Availability Key Features
Cloud Available Free during launch, GitHub/GitLab sync
Self-Hosted Coming Soon Docker deployment, community support
Enterprise Coming Soon SAML, SLAs, on-premise deployment

Why This Matters

By translating software version control principles into hardware design contexts, Paplix tackles a persistent pain point in electronics development. Open-source hardware projects and professional teams alike stand to benefit from reduced merge conflicts and clearer change tracking. As one developer noted: "This finally brings PCB version control out of the dark ages."

The platform’s launch coincides with growing complexity in electronics design, where collaborative workflows increasingly demand robust revision management. Early adopters can test Paplix free with their KiCad projects via cloud hosting.

Source: Paplix.io