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macOS Setup — for Hardware Engineers on Mac

PCB Flow runs on macOS. The main handbook instructions apply unchanged; this page covers the few Mac specifics. (Linux users can follow the handbook directly.)

The essentials

  1. python3 works as-is. macOS ships or brews Python 3; the docs' python3 tools/doctor.py commands run unchanged. If python3 is missing: brew install python.
  2. The .sh helpers work (unlike Windows). automation/kicad/drc.sh and the Chrome launch recipe run in Terminal.
  3. Install tools with Homebrew (recommended): 
    brew install --cask visual-studio-code google-chrome kicad
brew install python git node
    EasyEDA Pro: download the macOS app from https://pro.easyeda.com (or use it in Chrome).

Verify your environment

python3 tools/doctor.py     # lists each tool with ✅ / ⚠️ / ❌ and how to fix gaps

Chrome / EasyEDA automation on Mac

The AI reads your live EasyEDA board through Chrome. Two options (same as Linux):

  • Recommended — the EasyEDA Bridge: install the run-api-gateway extension in EasyEDA Pro, tick "allow external interaction", and run the bridge server. See automation/easyeda/README.md. No profile juggling.
  • Fallback — raw Chrome DevTools: python3 tools/launch_easyeda.py launches Chrome with remote debugging. Keep one EasyEDA window open and signed in.

Notes

  • macOS may block first-run of kicad / Chrome — approve them in System Settings ▸ Privacy & Security.
  • Everything else — the 12 phases, the AI workflow, the checkpoints — is identical to the handbook. Continue at 04 · Your first project.

Platform status: PCB Flow is developed and validated on Linux; the macOS/Windows tooling is built and unit-tested but still benefits from real-world validation — please file issues.