PCB Gerber File Guides & Tutorials
Gerber export is the handoff between PCB design and manufacturing. These guides focus on the practical details that matter at release time: which menu starts the export, which layers belong in a normal fabrication package, how drill files are generated, what files to send for fabrication or assembly, and what to check before ordering boards. Use them when you need a clean ZIP from KiCad, Altium Designer, EAGLE, EasyEDA, or OrCAD / Allegro PCB Editor, or when you need a pre-order DFM check. After export, load the same ZIP in the viewer to inspect the actual files your manufacturer will receive.
Gerber basics
What Is a Gerber File? A Plain-English Guide for PCB Beginners
Learn what Gerber files are, what PCB layer data they contain, and why manufacturers use them to build circuit boards.
RS-274X vs RS-274D: Gerber Format Versions Explained
Understand the difference between legacy RS-274D Gerber files and modern self-contained RS-274X Extended Gerber files.
What Is Gerber X2? The Extended Gerber Format with Attributes
Learn how Gerber X2 extends RS-274X with attributes for layer function, apertures, objects, nets, and component metadata.
Gerber Layer File Extensions Explained (.gtl, .gbl, .gts and More)
Understand common Gerber layer filename extensions such as .gtl, .gbl, .gts, .gto, .gbr, and drill file extensions.
Gerber vs ODB++ vs IPC-2581: PCB Manufacturing File Formats Compared
Compare Gerber, ODB++, and IPC-2581 for PCB manufacturing handoff, including openness, packaging, included data, and support.
Open-source EDA
Professional EDA
How to Export Gerber Files from Altium Designer
Generate Altium Designer Gerber files, NC drill files, and repeatable fabrication packages from a PCB document or Output Job.
How to Export Gerber Files from OrCAD / Allegro PCB Editor
Create Allegro or OrCAD PCB Editor artwork films, Gerber RS-274X files, and Excellon NC drill outputs for PCB manufacturing.
Desktop EDA
Browser EDA
Convert & open
How to Convert Gerber Files to PDF
Convert Gerber files to PDF for visual review, markup, and sharing while keeping the original Gerbers for PCB manufacturing.
How to Convert Gerber Files to PNG or JPG Images
Export Gerber files as PNG or JPG-style images for documentation, README files, forum posts, and visual PCB reviews.
How to Convert Gerber Files to SVG (Vector)
Export Gerber files as scalable SVG vector artwork for documentation, web pages, diagrams, and editing in vector tools.
How to Convert Gerber Files to DXF for Mechanical CAD
Convert Gerber data or PCB outlines to DXF for enclosure design, mechanical CAD reference, CNC, and laser workflows.
How to Open Gerber Files (.gbr, .gtl, .gbl and More)
Open Gerber PCB files without the original CAD tool, understand common extensions, and inspect ZIP packages before manufacturing.
Pre-order & DFM
PCB Gerber File Checklist: What to Check Before Ordering
A pre-order checklist to verify your Gerber and drill files are complete and manufacturable before sending them to a PCB fab.
How to Check Gerber Files for Errors (Before You Order)
Step-by-step way to visually inspect Gerber and drill files for common errors using a Gerber viewer before manufacturing.
What Files to Send to a PCB Manufacturer (Complete List)
The complete file list for PCB fabrication and assembly — Gerber, Excellon drill, BOM, pick-and-place, and fabrication notes.
Gerber Files vs Drill Files: What's the Difference?
Understand how Gerber image files and Excellon drill files differ and why a PCB fab needs both.
Common PCB DFM Issues and How to Catch Them Early
The most common design-for-manufacturing problems on PCBs — and how to spot them in your Gerbers before ordering.