A local-first browser tool for reverse engineering, documenting, and inspecting printed circuit boards.
Privacy Note: This application runs 100% in your browser. All images and data are stored in your browser's local database (IndexedDB). No data is uploaded to any server.
1. Concept & Hierarchy
ReTrace organizes data to match physical hardware:
Device: The physical unit (e.g., "Multimeter Model X").
Board: A specific PCB inside the device (e.g., "Mainboard", "Power Supply").
Images: Photos of the board (Top, Bottom, Angled shots).
2. The Workflow
Step 1: Setup
Create a New Device and a New Board using the top menu. Then, upload your images. High-resolution, flat photos work best.
Step 2: Mapping Components (BOM)
Navigate to the Images tab. Click on a component in the photo to mark it.
The app switches to the BOM list.
Enter the Reference (e.g., R1).
If identifying the value requires calculation, click the tool icon to open the built-in decoders (Resistor Bands, Inductors).
Step 3: Tracing Nets
Use the Inspect and Nets tabs to document connectivity.
New Net: In the Inspect tab, click anywhere on the image to create a node. You will be prompted to name the Pin/Pad. If no net is currently active, entering a name will automatically start a new net.
Add Nodes: Click on other pins that belong to the same electrical connection.
Export: In the Nets tab, you can export a .net file compatible with KiCad to help verify your reverse engineering in a professional EDA tool.
3. Computer Vision & Stitching
ReTrace uses Computer Vision (CV) for Spatial Alignment. It allows you to synchronize the view across different images.
Important: The CV engine does not automatically recognize components (it won't read "10k" off a resistor). Its purpose is to mathematically align coordinates between images so you can see through the board.
Auto-Stitch (Same Side)
When you upload a new image, ReTrace automatically attempts to stitch it against existing images on the board in the background. If features match (e.g., a close-up vs. a wide shot), connections are created automatically.
You can also run this manually:
Open Image Settings on your Main image.
Select Stitch / Connections -> Run Auto-CV.
Manual Stitch (Top vs. Bottom)
To create an "X-Ray" view where clicking a pin on the Top automatically shows the corresponding pin on the Bottom:
Select your Top Image.
Go to Image Settings -> Connections.
Find your Bottom Image and click "Edit Stitch".
Flip Target: Click the button. This mirrors the bottom image horizontally.
Match Points: Click 4 common features (Vias, Holes, Corners) visible on both images.
Click Save Match.
4. Tools
ReTrace includes standalone calculators accessible from the BOM editor:
Resistor: 3-6 Band decoder with reverse lookup.
Inductor: Standard and Military codes.
Coil: Calculator for hand-wound air-core inductors.
5. Data Management
Device Export (ZIP): Full backup including all boards and images.
Board Export (ZIP): Portable backup of a single board.
CSV Export: Standard spreadsheet export for BOM ordering.
KiCad Export (.net): Exports identified components and traced nets for use in PCB design software.