KLive Setup

klive is a KLayout plug-in that lets kfactory push GDS files directly into a running KLayout window. Every call to kf.show(cell) will open or refresh the layout instantly — no manual file export required.

Install klive from KLayout

Open the KLayout package manager under Tools → Manage Packages, search for klive, and click Install.

The video below shows the process:

How klive works

klive listens on localhost:8082. When you call kf.show(cell), kfactory:

1. Exports the cell to a temporary GDS file.
2. Sends a JSON message to port 8082 with the file path.
3. klive loads (or reloads) the file in the open KLayout window.

Tip: disable KLayout's file-reload dialog

KLayout occasionally shows a "file changed on disk" dialog that can interfere with klive. Turn it off in File → Setup → Application → General by unchecking Check files for updates.

See Also