FAQ and Troubleshooting

Use this page to diagnose common release issues. Start with the check that matches the visible symptom, then record the exact message shown by WireFrame before changing project data.

Installation and startup

WireFrame does not start or shows a blank workspace

1. Confirm that your operating system and graphics driver meet the requirements in Installation.
2. Restart WireFrame once without reopening an existing project.
3. If the application opens, load the project from File → Open Project (.prjxml) or Open File and note which document triggers the issue.
4. If it still fails, attach the operating system, WireFrame version, and startup log to the issue report.

Resetting configuration can help with a damaged workspace state, but it also removes saved session and layout preferences. Use it only after reviewing Configuration and Session.

macOS or Windows blocks the first launch

Use the operating system's Open Anyway or More info → Run anyway action only when the installer came from the official WireFrame release channel. Do not disable system security globally.

My previous project does not reopen automatically

Open it manually from File → Open Project (.prjxml) or Open File. If the files have moved or a removable drive is unavailable, WireFrame cannot restore the saved path. A normal close stores the current session for the next launch.

Projects and libraries

Which external project formats can I import?

The project importer supports KiCad project files (.kicad_pro and legacy .pro). Altium and Eagle project import are not part of the current release workflow. Altium library files can be imported through View → Local Library Manager.

My KiCad symbols or footprints do not appear

Open View → Local Library Manager, verify that the source is present and active, then check its reported inventory. Confirm that the source contains supported KiCad symbol or footprint files and has not been moved since it was added.

How do I import an Altium library?

Open View → Local Library Manager, choose the Altium importer, and select a supported .SchLib, .PcbLib, .IntLib, or .LibPkg file. Review the imported symbol and footprint before using it in a design. See Library Import and Management.

A component is missing from an AI-generated design

Confirm the exact part number, package, and pin count, then select AI Gen beside the missing item. Use From Template for a clear standard part or From Datasheet when the exact pinout and package drawing matter. Review both generated assets using the AI Component Generator guideline.

How do I link a footprint to a symbol?

Select the symbol and inspect its footprint assignment in the available properties or library workflow. Confirm the package name, pad count, pad numbering, and orientation against the datasheet before transferring the design to PCB.

Schematic and PCB

A wire does not connect to a pin

Zoom in and place the wire endpoint on the pin connection point with grid snapping enabled. If a pin or imported symbol is off-grid, correct the symbol or its placement instead of drawing a nearly connected wire. Re-run ERC afterward.

Ratsnest lines remain after routing

Verify that each track endpoint reaches the intended pad or existing track, that all items share the same net, and that the route changes layer through a valid via. Re-run the PCB checks after correcting the connection.

DFM or DRC reports many clearance errors

Review the active design rules and net classes first. Open each violation, identify the two objects involved, and decide whether to reroute, move an item, or correct the applicable rule. Do not suppress a violation merely to obtain a clean report.

Copper zones show gaps or stale geometry

Confirm the zone net, layer, clearance, and priority, then rebuild the zone fill after routing or placement changes. Clearances around objects on other nets are expected.

Simulation

The Run button is disabled

Check the readiness information in Simulation Workbench → Setup. A run needs a usable engine, supported analysis, connected simulation scope, and no blocking model issue. Correct the reported item and run Preflight again.

WireFrame cannot find an installed simulation engine

Open Preferences → Simulation. Leave the executable path empty only when the engine is available on the system PATH; otherwise select the executable directly. Return to Setup → Engine and confirm that its status is usable.

Preflight reports a missing model

Open Models, identify the component and requested model, and import the correct vendor SPICE model. Verify its pin order against the datasheet before running Preflight again. You may also simulate an independent block that does not include the unresolved component.

An assertion is Not measured instead of Failed

The run did not produce the signal or metric needed for the comparison. Check the signal name, analysis type, circuit scope, measurement window, and engine log. Not measured is intentionally not treated as a pass.

Two engines produce different results

Compare the analysis, startup options, sources, loads, model revisions, and measurement windows. Keep both logs with the project when reporting the difference.

AI Copilot

How do I configure AI Copilot?

Open View → AI Copilot Chat, open its settings, enter your own OpenRouter API key, select an available model, and save. Never include the key in screenshots, shared projects, or support reports.

AI Copilot is not responding

Check the network connection, API-key validity, provider credit or rate limit, and the visible error message. Retry only after the current request has clearly stopped; repeated clicks can create duplicate provider charges.

Does Copilot edit the design automatically?

Treat every generated proposal as unverified design input. Review its component, connection, block, and analysis tabs before applying changes. Afterward, run the relevant ERC, DFM/DRC, and simulation checks.

Copilot says a signal passes without a requirement

A pass or fail requires an explicit criterion. Add a testbench assertion based on the product requirement or datasheet and rerun the simulation. A general AI assessment is not a replacement for a measurable limit.

Export and release checks

Fabrication output is empty or incomplete

Confirm that the board outline is closed, the selected layers contain the intended data, and the current board revision was saved before export. Inspect representative Gerbers and drill files in a viewer before sending the package to a manufacturer.

What should I review before sharing a manufacturing package?

Check the board revision, Gerber layers, plated and non-plated drill outputs where applicable, IPC-D-356A, BOM, and package manifest. Keep the DFM/DRC result with the release evidence.

Reporting an issue

Include:

• WireFrame version and operating system.
• A short sequence that reproduces the issue.
• The exact error message and relevant log excerpt.
• A screenshot with credentials and proprietary data removed.
• A minimal project copy when it is safe to share.

Check the Changelog first, then use the project's official issue or support channel.