Gerber files are the manufacturing layers for a PCB, including copper, solder mask, silkscreen, outline, and drill data. EasyEDA is more automated than many desktop EDA tools because it generates a ready-made fabrication ZIP instead of asking you to manually map every layer.
That convenience does not remove the need to verify the package. Run the checks EasyEDA provides, download the ZIP, and open the viewer before ordering so you can catch missing outlines, unexpected text, or drill alignment problems outside the editor.
EasyEDA's automated export is closest in spirit to other hobbyist-friendly workflows, but it differs from the CAM job approach in Autodesk EAGLE. Instead of manually assigning every output section, you mostly verify that the ZIP contains the expected manufacturing files.
Quick answer
In EasyEDA Standard, open the PCB and use File → Generate PCB Fabrication File(Gerber) or Fabrication → PCB Fabrication File(Gerber). In EasyEDA Pro, use File → Export → PCB Fabrication File (Gerber) or Export → PCB Fabrication File (Gerber). EasyEDA downloads a Gerber ZIP that already includes the standard fabrication layers and drill data.
Step-by-step EasyEDA Standard export
- Open the PCB document in EasyEDA Standard. Export from the PCB editor, not from the schematic view.
- Run EasyEDA's design rule check and resolve real clearance, width, unconnected-net, and board-outline errors before generating fabrication output. The Gerber export flow may run validation, but fixing problems intentionally is better than accepting warnings during download.
- Choose File → Generate PCB Fabrication File(Gerber) or Fabrication → PCB Fabrication File(Gerber). The key point is that you are generating fabrication files, not exporting an image or a schematic document.
- Review the generation dialog. EasyEDA may show DRC status or fabrication checks before preparing the package. Do not ignore a board-outline or drill-related warning just because the ZIP can still be downloaded.
- Download the generated Gerber ZIP. EasyEDA Standard's package is intended to be manufacturer-ready and normally includes copper, mask, silkscreen, outline, paste where applicable, and drill files.
- Save the ZIP with a revision-specific name, such as
controller-r3-gerbers.zip, so it is not confused with an older download.
Step-by-step EasyEDA Pro export
- Open the board in EasyEDA Pro's PCB editor. Confirm that the active document is the PCB layout.
- Run DRC from the Pro workspace and resolve fabrication-related issues. Pay particular attention to board outline, copper-to-edge clearances, and unplated or plated hole definitions.
- Use File → Export → PCB Fabrication File (Gerber) or Export → PCB Fabrication File (Gerber). Both menu paths refer to exporting the PCB fabrication package.
- Review any export options shown for the design. If your manufacturer has special requirements, follow those instructions, but do not remove ordinary copper, mask, outline, or drill layers from a basic PCB package.
- Download the generated ZIP. EasyEDA Pro's Gerber compressed package is meant to be uploaded directly when placing a PCB order or opened in CAM tools for review.
Standard vs Pro package details
EasyEDA Standard and EasyEDA Pro produce similar manufacturing ZIPs, but the menu path and naming style are different enough to matter when you are following instructions. Standard exposes the command as File → Generate PCB Fabrication File(Gerber) or Fabrication → PCB Fabrication File(Gerber). Pro uses File → Export → PCB Fabrication File (Gerber) or Export → PCB Fabrication File (Gerber). The downloaded ZIP may use EasyEDA's project naming and layer labels rather than the exact filenames shown in another tool's tutorial, so verify by layer purpose as well as by extension.
Inside the ZIP, plated through holes and non-plated holes may be represented by separate drill files or by drill data with separate tool definitions, depending on the export and manufacturer flow. Check that mounting holes, slots, and connector holes are present, not just vias. The board outline is normally supplied as a .GKO or other outline Gerber; it must be present because it tells the fabricator the finished perimeter and any cutouts. EasyEDA handles coordinate and drill formatting for the standard download, but the drill data still has to align with the Gerber coordinates. If a viewer shows shifted holes, treat it as a package problem and regenerate from the PCB editor before ordering.
EasyEDA file reference
| File or layer in ZIP | Typical extension | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Top copper | .GTL | Top conductive layer |
| Bottom copper | .GBL | Bottom conductive layer |
| Top solder mask | .GTS | Top mask openings |
| Bottom solder mask | .GBS | Bottom mask openings |
| Top silkscreen | .GTO | Top legend and markings |
| Bottom silkscreen | .GBO | Bottom legend and markings |
| Board outline | .GKO or outline Gerber | Finished board perimeter and cutouts |
| Drill file | .TXT, .DRL, or .XLN | Excellon hole data |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating the one-click order path as the only export path. You can download the fabrication ZIP and inspect it before choosing any board house.
- Using Standard menu names in Pro or Pro menu names in Standard. The correct commands both say PCB Fabrication File, but they live in different menus.
- Ignoring a missing
.GKOor outline Gerber because copper layers look complete. The manufacturer still needs the finished board perimeter. - Repacking the ZIP after deleting files that look unfamiliar. EasyEDA may include separate drill or route files that are required for NPTH holes, slots, or cutouts.
- Assuming Pro and Standard output filenames will be identical. Check the layer role in the viewer when names differ from a manufacturer's example list.
- Downloading from the wrong project revision or browser tab. Rename the ZIP with a board revision before uploading it.
Verify your Gerbers before ordering
EasyEDA's ZIP is designed to be uploaded as-is, but open that same ZIP in the Gerber viewer before ordering. Check for top and bottom copper, solder mask, any silkscreen you expect, the outline file, and drill data. Spend extra time on mounting holes and internal cutouts because those are the places where missing NPTH or outline information is easiest to overlook.
If the viewer reports a missing outline or the drill hits do not line up with pads, go back to the EasyEDA PCB editor and generate a fresh PCB Fabrication File (Gerber) package. Editing the ZIP manually is risky because it can separate Pro or Standard drill files from the coordinate system used by the Gerber layers.
FAQ
- Is the EasyEDA Gerber download already zipped?
- Yes. EasyEDA Standard and EasyEDA Pro produce a compressed Gerber package for PCB fabrication. You can upload that ZIP to a manufacturer or inspect it in a viewer.
- Do I have to order from JLCPCB after generating EasyEDA Gerbers?
- No. EasyEDA includes a convenient one-click JLCPCB order path, but you can simply download the Gerber ZIP and use it with another manufacturer.
- Where is Gerber export in EasyEDA Standard?
- In EasyEDA Standard, open the PCB and use File → Generate PCB Fabrication File(Gerber) or Fabrication → PCB Fabrication File(Gerber).
- Where is Gerber export in EasyEDA Pro?
- In EasyEDA Pro, use File → Export → PCB Fabrication File (Gerber) or Export → PCB Fabrication File (Gerber), depending on the workspace menu layout.