> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.protoboard.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.protoboard.xyz/readme.md).

# Welcome to Protoboard

Design hardware systems on a canvas, connect real parts and check every connection before you order anything

Protoboard is where you design a hardware system before you build it. You place real parts on a canvas, connect them, and Protoboard checks every connection as you go: protocols, roles, voltages and which pin carries which signal. It works for anything built from parts that connect, from a microcontroller and its sensors to motors, pneumatics and networked devices.

> **Validate before you Fabricate.**

<a href="https://alpha.protoboard.ai" class="button primary">Start Building</a>

<figure><picture><source srcset="https://3535233690-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FHc6ZGiGpKHrs578383AS%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-6231d48019be2d375d471619ad4919e2ca7cf418%2Feditor-overview-dark.png?alt=media" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3535233690-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FHc6ZGiGpKHrs578383AS%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-36c2d6da726c875719bfc7cb6a2f8829d99acba4%2Feditor-overview-light.png?alt=media" alt="The Protoboard editor showing a line-following robot board: an Arduino Nano, a motor driver, two gearmotors, a battery and an IR sensor array connected by labelled harnesses, with a group around the motors and a note beside the driver"></picture><figcaption><p>The editor with the Main controller board of the line-following robot.</p></figcaption></figure>

## How it works

1. **Build.** Start a board from a blank canvas or describe what you want on Home and let ProtoBot place the first parts. Add parts from the [Parts Bin](/editor/parts-bin.md), which draws on the open ProtoPart library.
2. **Connect.** Drag from one part to another to create a [harness](/editor/harnesses-and-function-links.md), then pick the interfaces it carries. Protoboard links the individual signals and assigns pins.
3. **Validate.** The [design rule check (DRC)](/validate-and-build/how-drc-works.md) runs live. Board Review lists every problem and takes you to it on the canvas.
4. **Ship.** Price the [bill of materials](/validate-and-build/bill-of-materials.md), export it, share the project with your team, or request a build quote.

## Where to start

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="/start-here/quickstart-10-minutes.md"><strong>Quickstart</strong></a></td><td>Sign in, create a project and a board, connect two parts and read the DRC in 10 minutes.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/start-here/projects-boards-and-parts.md"><strong>Projects, boards and parts</strong></a></td><td>The three things everything else in Protoboard is built from.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/tutorials/line-following-robot.md"><strong>Tutorials</strong></a></td><td>End-to-end builds around one demo project: a line-following robot.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/protobot/overview.md"><strong>ProtoBot</strong></a></td><td>The built-in agent that plans, places parts and wires them with you.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/agent-bridge/overview.md"><strong>Agent Bridge (MCP)</strong></a></td><td>Connect Claude Code, Cursor, Codex or another MCP client to a board you have open.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/collaborate/roles-and-access.md"><strong>Collaborate</strong></a></td><td>Share projects with Viewer, Editor and Owner roles, and edit one at a time.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/reference/glossary.md"><strong>Reference</strong></a></td><td>Glossary, ProtoPart schema, DRC rules, file format, limits and tools.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/help/get-help.md"><strong>Help</strong></a></td><td>Troubleshooting, FAQ, accessibility and how to reach the team.</td></tr></tbody></table>

## How compatibility works

Two parts are compatible when an interface on one side can pair with an interface on the other: the same protocol, complementary roles (for example I2C master and I2C slave), overlapping electrical ranges, and a free pin or port for every required signal. Protoboard checks all of this from the part definitions, so you see a mismatch on the canvas instead of on the bench. Details: [Interfaces and Harnesses](/reference/interfaces-and-harnesses.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
Protoboard is in alpha. The app lives at [alpha.protoboard.ai](https://alpha.protoboard.ai) and the website at [protoboard.ai](https://protoboard.ai). New releases are listed in the [Changelog](/help/changelog.md).
{% endhint %}