Layout Editor ZMK

Purpose & User Intent: This tool solves the problem of designing, validating, and exporting keyboard layouts for ZMK firmware. It targets firmware engineers, hardware designers, and keyboard builders who plan matrix wiring and per-layer mappings. Users supply board_rows, board_cols, layers, and footprint constraints, then place keys on a grid, and assign keycodes per layer. The tool ensures feasibility before prototyping and produces firmware-ready exports that integrate directly into the build process. It supports multi-layer planning and provides revision-friendly outputs.
Core Logic & Features: The core is a grid-based layout engine with required features: grid definition, multi-layer key placement, and mapping validation. Optional features include footprint library integration, auto-placement suggestions, and bulk import/export of configurations. Rules enforce a single mapping per cell per layer, validate bounds, detect cross-layer conflicts, and report infeasible placements. It generates per-layer maps and a consolidated configuration suitable for ZMK YAML and JSON workflows.
Inputs & Outputs: Inputs include board_rows (int), board_cols (int), layers (int), footprint (string). Outputs include per-layer keymaps, a consolidated configuration, and validation reports highlighting conflicts, gaps, and boundary issues. Exports conform to ZMK conventions and are ready for firmware integration.
Algorithms & Calculations: It maps grid coordinates to matrix rows/cols, computes per-layer indices, and formats data into ZMK-compatible representations. It uses standard keyboard matrix logic and supports non-uniform layouts via placeholders.
Error & Edge Cases: It reports invalid input ranges, missing inputs, duplicate mappings, out-of-bounds positions, and footprint library unavailability with actionable messages. Fail-fast behavior guides corrective steps.
Industry/Region & Localization: Conforms to US ANSI keyboard conventions by default, with locale-specific layer mappings and documentation for regional layouts. Units are grid cells; no locale-specific hardware assumptions beyond keycode standards.
Assumptions & Exclusions: Assumes access to a valid footprint library and firmware-friendly outputs; excludes UI specifics, hardware testing, or non-ZMK firmware targets. Does not cover manufacturing tolerances or non-grid keyboard designs.