Sometimes your PCB layout is in a state where you have to blow away all of the tracks and start from scratch. Here is an illustrated guide of how to delete all the tracks in a KiCad PCB design.

This guide assumes you are starting with your project of choice open in PCBnew.

Note: We strongly recommend backing up your PCB file before following this guide, especially if you are working with a large or complex PCB design. This allows you to fall back to your original layout if your PCB reset does not go as planned.

Step One: Select All Tracks

  • Ensure you are in the OpenGL canvas mode. You can switch to this mode from the View menu by selecting Switch Canvas To -> Modern Toolset (OpenGL).
  • Use the selection tool to select all tracks. You can do this by pressing Ctrl + A or by drawing a selection box around the entire PCB area.

Step Two: Delete Selected Tracks

  • Press the Delete key on your keyboard to delete all selected tracks.
  • Alternatively, right-click and choose Delete from the context menu.
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Step Three: Delete All Vias (Optional)

Vias represent a different object type than tracks in KiCad. As a result, they must be deleted separately.

  • Use the selection tool to select all vias. You can do this by using the selection filter to only select vias.
  • Press the Delete key on your keyboard to delete all selected vias.

Step Four: Delete All Zones (Optional)

Zones, like vias, are an independent object type from tracks in KiCad, and also must be deleted separately.

  • Open the Zones tab from the right sidebar or press Shift + Alt + Z to activate the zone tool.
  • Select each zone on the PCB and press the Delete key to remove it.

Step Five: Save Your Changes

  • Save your project by pressing Ctrl + S or by selecting File -> Save from the toolbar menu.

Additional Tips

  • Check Connectivity: After deleting all nets, you may want to re-run the electrical rules check (ERC) to ensure that there are no unintended connectivity issues.
  • Reimport Netlist: If you need to recreate the nets, you can reimport the netlist from the schematic by selecting Tools -> Update PCB from Schematic [F8].

Following these steps will ensure that all nets, including tracks, vias, and zones, are removed from your KiCad PCB layout.