KBD Maker App

The KBD Maker App is a domain-focused tool for keyboard designers and enthusiasts who need to plan, size, and map custom layouts. It supports ANSI and ISO footprints, ortholinear and split configurations, and layered key mappings. Users work from a compact matrix model that represents each key as a position with a size in units. This enables rapid exploration of layouts such as 60%, 65%, or 75% boards, and it supports both personal projects and small workshop collaborations.
Conceptually, the tool builds a 2D layout matrix from input specs, validates unit consistency, and ensures keys align to a standard 1U grid (19.05 mm). It computes a clean internal representation of rows, columns, and per-key sizes, then overlays multiple layers with distinct keycodes. Core features include automatic overlap detection, template presets for common footprints, and export hooks for firmware (QMK/VIA), printable keymaps, and BOM data.
Users benefit by obtaining firmware-ready payloads, consistent documentation, and a reproducible design process. The tool supports export to JSON for firmware, CSV for printouts, and optional backlight or diode metadata. Its differentiators include strict layout validation, multi-footprint support, per-layer keycode mapping, and ready-to-import templates that reduce setup time for new keyboards.
Typical use cases include planning a new 60% ANSI layout, converting an ISO split keyboard to a unified matrix, or producing a printable layout sheet for a workshop. The app targets hobbyists, students, makerspaces, and small keyboard shops that need dependable, firmware-friendly output without vendor lock-in.