KiCad "Drilled hole too close to other hole": hole-to-hole spacing
KiCad design rule check (PCB) message: Drilled hole too close to other hole (hole_to_hole in kicad-cli reports).
What it means
Two drilled holes are closer than the minimum hole-to-hole distance. A drill bit can break or wander into the neighbouring hole, so fabs set a minimum web between holes. Spread the vias or pins apart.
Common causes
- Via arrays (stitching or thermal) placed on a grid that is too tight.
- Footprints with closely spaced through-hole pins plus vias between them.
How to fix it
- Space vias further apart or use fewer, larger ones.
- Check footprint pin spacing against your fab's limits.
Where the setting lives
Board Setup → Design Rules → Constraints → Minimum hole to hole.
What fabs need
JLCPCB lists 0.2 mm between via holes and 0.45 mm between pad holes of different nets.
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Checked against KiCad 10's source and documentation. Last reviewed 2026-11-07.
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