How to export Gerber files from KiCad for NextPCB?

How to export Gerber file from KiCad?


Gerber files are the industry standard for PCB manufacturing, containing all the necessary data for fabrication. If you're using KiCad and planning to order your PCB from NextPCB, this guide will walk you through the correct steps to generate and verify Gerber files and drill files for a smooth production process.

The following instructions are written for KiCad 9, however, the steps and settings are very similar between versions and the requirements are the same.

Note: When mentioning Gerber files, we assume that the drill files are included even though they are typically not in Gerber format. NextPCB requires the Gerber files and drill files to produce your PCBs. 

NextPCB also has KiCad plugins for exporting Gerber files and quoting from directly within KiCad, so you can skip the Gerber process altogether. Learn More --> 

Alternatively, you can upload the .kicad_pcb files directly and our server will export the Gerber files for you to confirm. Order now -->

How to export KiCad Gerber files for NextPCB

Step 1: 
Open your KiCad PCB design (.kicad_pcb) in the PCB Editor

Step 2:
Click the plot icon in the toolbar or find it under File -> Plot...
This is the same as going to File -> Fabrication Outputs -> Gerbers (.gbr). The drill file export dialog can also be directly accessed here.

KiCad 9 Generate fabrication outputs Gerber Drill Menu


Step 3:
In the plot window, select the following layers under Include Layers and any additional layers with important fabrication information. For multilayer boards, make sure you also select the appropriate inner layers. We suggest not using the Plot on All Layers feature unless in special cases.

KiCad 9 export Gerber drill files step by step for NextPCB

The names of the layers in the screenshot may differ depending on your version of KiCad, language and setup. However, the required layers are the same. Refer to this table for help:

KiCad Layers to Gerber Layers Protel Extensions


Step 4:
NextPCB accepts Gerber files of various formats and configurations, so the specific Gerber options settings are flexible. If unsure, match the settings in the reference screenshot above.

Step 5:
Click the Generate Drill Files... button. Then in the new dialog, match the settings in the screenshot below, and click Generate to export the drill file. Checking the PTH and NPTH in single file option is recommended to prevent one of the files from being omitted.

KiCad 9 export Gerber drill files drill options for NextPCB

Step 6:
Package all the generated Gerber and drill files in a .zip or .rar archive file.

We highly recommend using HQDFM or other Gerber Viewers to verify that the Gerber files are correct before ordering. HQDFM also has a Lite Gerber Viewer version for viewing Gerber files online, and the desktop version can perform free Design for Manufacturing (DFM) analysis, providing actionable feedback on your design beyond DRC rules.

After verifying your design is error-free, you are now ready to order your PCBs. Navigate to NextPCB's order page for an instant quote.


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