How to set track width by netclass in KiCad 10

A step-by-step tutorial on configuring netclasses in KiCad 10 so tracks like power nets automatically get a wider track width, using net name patterns.

19.7.2026

A netclass in KiCad lets you group nets together and give them shared rules, such as clearance and track width. This is useful when a project needs wider tracks than the default, for example on power nets, which need to carry more current than a typical signal.

Creating a new netclass

Open KiCad’s PCB editor and go to File => Board Setup.

KiCad File menu with Board Setup highlighted

Then, under Open Design Rules, go to Net Classes. This opens the net class window.

KiCad Board Setup window showing the Net Classes page

Create a new netclass by pressing the add button under the netclass list.

Add button used to create a new netclass in KiCad

After creating it, fill out its values, such as name, clearance, track width, and others.

Newly created netclass added to the netclass list
Power netclass configured with a wider track width and clearance

Creating a pattern to assign nets

With the netclass created, the next step is to set up a pattern. Patterns automatically match nets by name and assign them to a netclass.

To create a pattern, press the add button under the pattern list.

Add button used to create a new net matching pattern in KiCad

Set the pattern value (in my case, VBUS).

It’s also important to assign the pattern to the correct netclass, in my case the newly created Power netclass. This is done by selecting it from the drop-down next to the pattern.

Pattern set to VBUS and assigned to the Power netclass
Note

The pattern value also supports the wildcard * to match any characters. For example, VB* would achieve the same result, but would also match any other net starting with VB, such as VB1.

The bottom-right window shows which nets currently match the pattern.

List of nets matched by the pattern and assigned to the Power netclass

Here’s an example using the pattern V*, which matches all of my nets VBUS, VDD, VP, and V_HEAD, assigning them all to the Power netclass.

Pattern V* matching multiple power-related nets

Everything is now set up. Close the Board Setup window by pressing OK.

Result

Here’s a USB connector, where one of the pads is on the VBUS net, which I’ve assigned to the power netclass.

PCB footprint pad connected to the VBUS net

Creating a track from VBUS now automatically uses the wider track width, while other pads still use the default netclass.

Track routed from VBUS using the wider power netclass width
Track routed on a regular net using the default netclass width

Conclusion

Netclasses with pattern matching make it easy to keep power (or any other) nets routed at a consistent, wider width without manually setting the track size every time. Once the pattern is set up, KiCad handles it automatically for any matching net.