PCB Manufacturing File Formats
Understand what each format carries—and what still needs to be specified.
One consistent file set, with a clear revision.
Include any questions for your project contact.
Choose a format by what it carries
The file’s purpose and content matter more than its suffix.
| Format / file family | Primary role | Typical packaging | Key limitation or check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gerber RS-274X / X2 | Layer artwork and, with supported attributes, image meaning | Usually individual layer files; extensions vary | Review all exported functions and accompanying construction / drill information. |
| Gerber Job | Machine-readable manufacturing characteristics | Commonly .gbrjob | Complements image files; a field that was not exported is still missing. |
| NC drill / route | Holes, tools and routing instructions | Excellon/XNC or another agreed numeric format | Declare units, numeric interpretation, plating and non-through spans. |
| ODB++Design | Structured transfer of design information for fabrication, assembly and test | A preserved database / archive structure | Confirm exported content and receiving CAM support. Do not flatten its internal hierarchy. |
| IPC-2581 / IPC-DPMX | An open manufacturing-description data exchange standard | XML-based dataset; compression depends on the exporter | Confirm schema revision, exported scope and importer support. |
| IPC-D-356 | Netlist information for bare-board manufacturing checks | Text netlist; extension depends on the exporter | Not a complete manufacturing or assembly package. |
| BOM | Purchasing and population intent | CSV / XLSX using agreed columns | A spreadsheet format does not define a universal BOM schema. |
| Placement / CPL / centroid | Position, rotation and side for component references | CSV / text or integrated design data | File labels do not define the coordinate or rotation convention. |
| PDF / DXF / STEP | Supporting drawing or mechanical exchange | Document / geometry formats | Use for the agreed purpose; not automatically a substitute for complete PCB process data. |
| Native CAD project | Editable source design and tool-specific information | Tool- and version-dependent files | Agree access, dependencies and conversion responsibility; do not assume acceptance. |
| ZIP / TGZ | Packaging and transport | Compressed archive | An archive extension says nothing about the completeness of its contents. |
Choose one agreed release path
Avoid sending several unexplained “master” datasets.
- 01
Conventional layer-file handoff
Prepare the Gerber layer set, drill/route information, outline and construction requirements. Add the assembly documents when assembly is requested.
- 02
Integrated dataset handoff
Propose ODB++Design or IPC-2581 when both sides support the required export and import. Verify that the particular output carries the information you expect; an integrated format does not guarantee a fully populated dataset.
- 03
Keep supporting instructions controlled
Retain the specification, variants, sourcing decisions and test instructions needed for the job. Clearly label any alternate representation as reference-only and reconcile discrepancies.
- 04
Validate the receiving view
Review what the CAM or assembly system actually imported: layer mapping, profile, drill classification, stackup, nets, components and population status where applicable.
Avoid these format assumptions
“All .brd files are the same.”
A suffix alone does not establish the originating CAD tool or file structure. Identify the tool, version and export route in the manifest.
“ODB++ is one ordinary text drawing.”
Treat it as a structured dataset. Keep its internal relationships intact and use a compatible viewer or importer, rather than renaming or rearranging its contents.
“A richer format removes every other requirement.”
A format can support information that the design never populated. Check the released data and retain explicit purchasing, variant and process instructions where required.
“A successful preview means production-ready.”
A viewer may display geometry while missing manufacturing requirements. Use the preview as one check, not as an acceptance decision.
Name files so a reviewer can identify their role
A filename should help navigation without replacing the release manifest.
Project_Revision_Artifact_Variant.ext
Controller_RevB_Fabrication.zip
Controller_RevB_BOM_VariantA.csv
Controller_RevB_Placement_VariantA.csv
Controller_RevB_Assembly_VariantA.pdf
Controller_RevB_Release_Manifest.txtThis naming convention is a suggested organization aid. Follow the actual intake system’s rules. Do not rename a format-specific internal file in a way that breaks its dataset, and do not rely on file names to communicate all required metadata.
Download the preparation files
Download the checklists and templates below without signing in or submitting a form.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gerber X2 a different board-design system?
No. It is a Gerber format evolution that adds attributes to image data. It is not the editable schematic and PCB project itself.
Are ODB++ and IPC-2581 identical?
No. They are different data models and exchange mechanisms. ODB++Design uses a structured dataset, while IPC-2581 is an open XML-based manufacturing-description standard. Confirm support for the particular export and required information.
Is IPC-D-356 the same as IPC-2581?
No. In this workflow, IPC-D-356 is a netlist used for bare-board checks; IPC-2581 describes a broader manufacturing dataset. Similar naming does not make them interchangeable.
Can a ZIP archive be checked just by its extension?
No. Open and inventory the contents, identify the governing revision, and validate each format with a compatible reader.
Do these pages guarantee GlobalWellPCB accepts every listed format?
No. Agree the project-specific format, schema version, contents and transfer method before submitting a production release.
Technical references & scope
- [1] Ucamco — Official Gerber format overview
- [2] Ucamco — Gerber Job file
- [4] KiCad 10.0 — PCB Editor: manufacturing outputs
- [8] Siemens — ODB++Design official resources
- [9] IPC-DPMX / IPC-2581 Consortium — Standard overview
- [10] KiCad — PCB Editor: Manufacturing Outputs and Design Rules
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.