MacGizmo GridGen is a parametric generator for prototype perfboards. Configure your grid, add power rails, mounting holes and silkscreen labels. Place SMD Adapters and module overlays to plan your layout – then export production-ready Gerber files for any PCB manufacturer.
Everything you need to go from idea to manufactured perfboard.
Set board dimensions, pad pitch and grid size. The layout adapts instantly to your requirements.
Add configurable VCC and GND rails along the edges of your board – just like a classic breadboard.
Mounting holes with configurable drill size and placement patterns. Row and column labels on the silkscreen for easy component reference.
Plan your layout with placeholders for popular dev boards like ESP32 or Arduino Nano on your grid. Add SMD adapter zones for SOT, SOIC, TSSOP and more to route surface-mount parts to a through-hole layout.
See your board rendered in real-time as you adjust parameters.
What you see is what gets manufactured.
Download production-ready Gerber and Excellon drill files. Upload directly to the PCB manufacturer of your choice.
Set your board dimensions, choose pad grid density, enable power rails, mounting holes and silkscreen labels. The live preview updates with every change.
Check the rendered board in the interactive preview. Verify pad placement,
rail positions and hole keepout zones. Place module overlays like ESP32 or Arduino Nano to verify component fit. Add SMD adapter areas, to integrate typical surface mounted devices in the grid.
Fine-tune until it's right.
Download the Gerber file package (copper layers, solder mask, silkscreen, drill file) and upload it to your preferred PCB manufacturer. Boards typically arrive within a week.
The GridGen Adapter Editor imports existing KiCad footprints
and PCB layouts directly — no redrawing from scratch. Use any .kicad_mod
or .kicad_pcb file as the basis for an SMD adapter or subcircuit,
export it as a GridGen .json adapter, and drop it straight into
your perfboard layout.
.kicad_mod) and PCB layouts (.kicad_pcb).json — ready to use in GridGenNote: When using KiCad's official footprint libraries, check their CC-BY-SA license for redistribution terms.
Missing a feature? Found a bug? Let me know.
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MacGizmo GridGen is built and maintained by Martin – electronics engineer and founder of MacGizmo. Looking for soldering kits, maker tools or electronics gadgets?
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