Gerber Export Guide
Check the exported manufacturing data before it becomes the release.
One consistent file set, with a clear revision.
Include any questions for your project contact.
Export a release—not just a collection of plots
These are preparation recommendations. Match export settings to the documented CAD version and the receiving CAM workflow.
- 01
Freeze the intended design
Select the correct board revision. Refill copper zones or polygons, run the relevant design checks, and document any approved exceptions before export.
- 02
Choose the manufacturing layers
Include every required copper layer, the specified mask and legend sides, and one clear board profile. Include paste layers for the stencil workflow when they are needed, not as a substitute for solder mask.
- 03
Generate drilling and routing information
Include actual accepted drill/route data, tool information and plated / non-plated classification. Identify any non-through spans and special machining requirements.
- 04
Keep coordinate interpretation consistent
Use the agreed units, origin and numeric precision. Avoid unexplained offsets or manual mirroring. Document any required transformation rather than making an invisible spreadsheet correction.
- 05
Open the exported output
Load the files in a compatible viewer and check the actual output, not only the CAD source. Verify a known dimension, the profile, layer registration, holes and a distinctive feature.
- 06
Add the manufacturing specification
Attach the released construction requirements and manifest. Archive only the intended revision and clearly identify any reference-only documents.
CAD-specific starting points
Interface labels and available options can change between software releases.
KiCad 10.0: fabrication outputs
In the PCB Editor, use the Gerber plotting output, then generate drill files. Select the required layers and the agreed origin. Check zone fills before plotting. If using the drill/place origin, use the corresponding origin choice consistently for the related outputs. Review drill units and zero formatting.
Export placement and BOM data separately when assembly is requested. Check the options in the documentation for your installed release; a saved preset from another project still needs review.
Altium Designer: fabrication output / Output Job
Use the fabrication outputs or an Output Job to generate Gerber / Gerber X2 and NC drill data. Keep origin, units and precision compatible between outputs. Include the board profile. Check the actual generated drill format rather than assuming every .DRL or .TXT file is equivalent.
Review which PCB document and configuration each Output Job entry uses. Regenerate the complete release after an approved source change, rather than mixing files from different runs.
Other CAD tools: apply the same output checks
Use the software vendor’s current export documentation and the receiving manufacturer’s instructions. Confirm layer mapping, units, origin, drill interpretation, profile and special-process output. Do not copy a screenshot of another tool’s settings without understanding the result.
Perform a final CAM-view check
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Scale and origin | A known width, height or hole spacing matches the released drawing; related files register. |
| Copper | All required layers are present, mapped and filled as intended. |
| Profile | One closed governing boundary; cutouts and routing are unambiguous. |
| Drills | Hole positions align; tools, plating and spans are identified. |
| Mask / legend / paste | Correct sides and functions; no accidental missing or substituted layer. |
| Special requirements | Dedicated locations and instructions for special machining, finishes or via processes. |
| Revision | Output set, drawing and manifest identify the same design release. |
Use an approved local or access-controlled viewer for confidential designs. Ucamco publishes Gerber reference resources, but the choice to upload a design to any online service requires appropriate authorization.
Correct the source of an export problem
A manual edit to one output can break consistency with the rest of the release.
Holes are shifted
Recheck origin and numeric interpretation before moving geometry. A guessed translation can hide the real error and invalidate other outputs.
Board size is wrong
Check units, scale and coordinate precision. Inspect the exported result against a known dimension before changing the CAD design.
Copper is missing
Review layer selection and zone/polygon refill state. Regenerate the complete set after correcting the source.
Bottom side looks reversed
Identify the viewer’s view direction and the export convention first. Do not mirror the bottom manufacturing layer solely because it looks different on screen.
The outline is uncertain
Remove competing profiles or label their purpose. Make cutouts and special machining explicit.
The package contains old outputs
Export into a clean release directory, then inventory it. Keep archives of old releases outside the production handoff.
Download the preparation files
Download the checklists and templates below without signing in or submitting a form.
Fabrication specification worksheet
Blank construction, drill, finish, impedance and acceptance requirements.
TXT · 1.3 KBRelease & coordinate manifest
Identify the file revision, stackup and coordinate conventions, and list any details you need help confirming.
TXT · 2.8 KBRead before using the templates
Field definitions, limitations and release-control notes.
TXT · 3.5 KBFrequently asked questions
Should bottom copper be manually mirrored?
Do not introduce a manual mirror unless the documented receiving workflow requires it. Verify the CAD export convention and the viewer’s top / bottom perspective before deciding the data is wrong.
Can I omit drill files because the holes appear in a screenshot?
No. A screenshot or drill map is not the actual numeric drilling program. Provide the accepted machine-readable hole information or a complete integrated dataset.
Should paste layers be included?
Include the released paste data when needed for the stencil or assembly workflow. It serves a different purpose from solder mask and should not be substituted for it.
Can I re-export only one changed file?
For a controlled release, regenerate and validate the coherent output set. Replacing a single file without checking the related documents and revision can create a mixed package.
Is this a Gerber generator or file parser?
No. This page is an export and review guide. The downloads are blank preparation worksheets, not generated Gerber or drill programs.
Technical references & scope
- [3] Ucamco — Gerber specifications and reference resources
- [4] KiCad 10.0 — PCB Editor: manufacturing outputs
- [5] Altium Designer — Preparing fabrication data
Use the checklists and templates on this page to prepare your manufacturing files. Confirm the required formats and approved design revision with your project contact before ordering; export steps may vary by CAD software.
File preparation resources for PCB & PCBA projects.