Skimatly is a promising early-access take on plain-English schematic generation. ProtoFlow targets the same job but is already a downloadable, free desktop tool with a complete editing and validation loop.
By Rishik Boddeti · Last reviewed
Founder of ProtoFlow, ECE at UT Austin
Quick answer
Skimatly and ProtoFlow both turn plain-English prompts into real schematics with KiCad-compatible symbols. The practical difference today: ProtoFlow is a shipping, free desktop app with a full schematic and PCB editor, real-part import (LCSC/DigiKey/Mouser), DRC/ERC, SPICE simulation, Gerber/BOM output, and KiCad export, while Skimatly is in closed beta, with Pro at $20/month (rising to $29/month at public launch). If you want to design now, ProtoFlow is usable today.
Each row links to the vendor page it came from and shows the date we last read that page. Vendors change pricing often, so check the link before you buy.
| Product | Price or limit | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skimatly | Closed beta; Pro is $20/month during the beta, rising to $29/month at public launch | skimatly.xyz |
| Criteria | ProtoFlow EDA | Skimatly |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Shipping desktop app you can download today. | Closed beta / waitlist; Pro is $20/month during the beta. |
| Core capability | Plain-English to schematic, plus full editing, cleanup, and DRC/ERC. | Natural language to IEEE-standard schematic with KiCad-quality symbols. |
| Component sourcing | Unified LCSC + DigiKey + Mouser search and import. | States a 2,000+ component library. |
| EDA export | Ready-to-use KiCad bundle. | Exports to KiCad, EasyEDA, and other EDA tools. |
| Cost | Free to use. | Pro $20/month in closed beta, $29/month at public launch. |
Reviewed on: 2026-06-04
Maturity and scope. Both generate schematics from text, but ProtoFlow ships today as a free desktop app with a full editor, validation, and real-part import, and carries the design through PCB layout, simulation and manufacturing files; Skimatly is in closed beta, with Pro at $20/month during the beta.
ProtoFlow is free to use now. Skimatly's Pro plan is $20/month during its closed beta, rising to $29/month at public launch.
Yes. Both target KiCad-compatible output; ProtoFlow also produces a ready-to-use KiCad bundle and supports additional handoff paths.
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