AI Component Lab

# What It Is

The Component Lab is a dedicated editor tab. Open a new one from the tab bar’s + button. Each tab is independent and keeps working in the background while you switch to other tabs, so a long generation never blocks your work.

When you supply only a part name or datasheet, it generates both halves with AI. When you import an existing symbol and footprint, it simply links and bundles them, no AI call. Import just one half and it generates only the piece you’re missing.

# Inputs

Provide any combination of the following, type into the fields or drag files onto the drop zones:

# Workflow

1. Enter a part name and/or datasheet, or attach a PDF or pinout image
2. Optionally import an existing symbol or footprint into its drop zone
3. Pick an AI model; the remaining monthly generation units and the model multiplier are shown beneath the button
4. Click Generate (or Link & Build if both halves were imported)
5. Watch the progress log, resolving the datasheet, extracting text, analyzing, building
6. Review the result and save or export

# Reviewing & Editing

The result shows the symbol and footprint side by side, with a summary (manufacturer, MPN, pin and pad counts, description), a scrollable pin table (pad, name, type, side), and any warnings about extraction or pinout mismatches.

Hover a preview and click Edit symbol or Edit footprint to open it in the Symbol Editor or Footprint Editor. Saving there round-trips your changes back into the lab.

# Saving & Exporting

Save to Library stores the linked symbol + footprint pair in your custom library, ready to place. Or use the Export menu to write the part out for another tool:

• KiCad, .kicad_sym + a .pretty footprint folder
• EAGLE, a single .lbr library
• Altium, .SchDoc + .PcbDoc
• Allegro / OrCAD: EDIF (.edn) plus a footprint reference

Any attached 3D model is included with each export.

# Models & Limits

• Sign-in required — AI generation needs a ProtoFlow account
• Monthly quota — Free includes 10 generation units a month; Pro 30; Max 70. A 1× model uses one unit, while higher-cost models use their displayed multiplier. Link & Build (both halves imported) uses none
• Paid use — after the included quota, a fresh 1× part uses 30 credits; a 2×, 3×, or 8× model uses 60, 90, or 240 credits
• Model choice — pick from the available models; some are reserved for Pro and Max plans