KiCad 9 Error Reading ZIP Local Header – Fix Guide

by

If you’ve recently updated to KiCad 9 and tried opening a zipped project, you might have run into a puzzling message. Something like:

“Error reading ZIP local header.”

It sounds super technical, right? But don’t worry—this guide will break it down for you in plain English. And best of all? We’ll help you fix it!

What’s Going On?

Let’s first understand what KiCad is doing.

When you try to open a .zip file in KiCad 9, it attempts to look inside the file. Think of it like unzipping a suitcase to inspect the clothes inside. But sometimes, KiCad gets confused. It can’t read the suitcase tags, so it gives up early.

The error usually looks like KiCad can’t read a part of the ZIP file correctly. This can happen for a few reasons:

  • The ZIP file is corrupted.
  • The file wasn’t zipped correctly in the first place.
  • You’re trying to open a non-KiCad project ZIP.
  • You’re using a ZIP with a special compression method KiCad doesn’t like.

You’re not alone. This has happened to tons of users since the update.

What Is A ZIP Local Header?

Every ZIP file has something called a local header. It’s like a label telling computers what’s inside—how many files, how big they are, how they’re compressed.

KiCad reads this label to start the unzipping process. If the label is broken, messy, or confusing, KiCad gets stuck and throws the error.

Don’t Panic! Here’s How to Fix It

There are a few quick and easy methods. We’ll start with the simplest ones and work our way up.

1. Check If the ZIP File Is Corrupt

Try opening the ZIP file manually using something like:

  • Windows File Explorer
  • 7-Zip
  • WinRAR
  • macOS Archive Utility

If you can’t open it or see weird file names, the ZIP might be corrupt.

Fix: Ask for a fresh copy of the ZIP file or re-download it if you got it from the internet.

2. Unzip Then Import

Sometimes KiCad just doesn’t like opening zipped projects directly.

Fix:

  1. Unzip the file manually.
  2. Open KiCad.
  3. Use File → Open Project.
  4. Browse to the unzipped folder and select the .kicad_pro or .kicad_pcb file.

Boom! That usually works.

3. Re-Zip It the Right Way

If the ZIP file was made on another system or with something weird like online zip tools, the format might be funky.

Fix:

  1. Unzip the project on your current system.
  2. Right-click the folder and use your system’s standard zip tool to zip it again.
  3. In Windows: Right-click → Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder.
  4. In macOS: Right-click → Compress “Folder Name”.

Now try opening that new zip in KiCad 9.

4. Avoid Special Characters

Some ZIP creators allow funky characters like emojis or non-English letters in file names. KiCad might not like those.

Fix:

  • Make sure filenames and folders don’t have spaces, special symbols, or emoji.
  • Stick to plain English letters, numbers, dashes, or underscores.

Then zip it again and try reopening.

5. Use 7-Zip with Specific Settings

If nothing has worked so far, get a little nerdy with compression settings.

Fix:

  1. Download and install 7-Zip.
  2. Right-click the unzipped KiCad project folder.
  3. Choose 7-Zip → Add to archive.
  4. Under Archive format, pick zip.
  5. Make sure the Compression method is set to Deflate.
  6. Click OK.

Try opening the new file in KiCad. Success!

If You’re Still Getting the Error…

Okay, deep breath! A few final things to check:

  • Make sure you’re actually opening a KiCad project zip! If it’s a datasheet or schematic from another app, it won’t work.
  • Double-check that you’re using KiCad 9 or newer. Older versions might not recognize the new format.
  • Update to the latest KiCad 9 build—there may already be a bug fix released!

Bonus Tip: Don’t Zip .git Folders

If you’re using Git along with KiCad, you might be zipping too much. The .git folder adds tons of extra info—KiCad doesn’t need it and may choke on it.

Only zip:

  • The schematic files (.kicad_sch)
  • The PCB design file (.kicad_pcb)
  • The project file (.kicad_pro)
  • The symbols and footprints folders if needed

Preventing the Issue in the Future

Here are a few simple habits to avoid this mess in the first place:

  • Always unzip before importing into KiCad.
  • Zip files with system defaults—not with fancy online converters.
  • Avoid unnecessary folders and hidden files.
  • Keep project folder names short and clean.

Also, you can simply share the folder instead of zipping it. Services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and GitHub are great for this.

Wrapping It All Up

That pesky “Error reading ZIP local header” is annoying—but not fatal. It’s mostly about how the ZIP file is structured. Now that you know what’s going on under the hood, you’ve got the tools to fix it quickly.

Happy designing in KiCad! And remember: always test your zip files before sharing. That way, your collaborators won’t end up scratching their heads over a mysterious error.

Still stuck? Reach out on the KiCad forums or Discord—the community is full of helpful folks who’ve probably run into the same issue.

Good luck, and may your traces be flawless!