How to export Gerber file from KiCad?
Gerber file is the standard file type for PCB fabrication, PCB prototype, and PCB assembly. This article is a guide for you to output the Gerber files from your finished PCB designing in KiCad.
Step 1: Find the plot icon
Please find the PCB design file in KiCad and select “Plot” under the “Files” to open the Gerber generation tool.
Step 2: Plot settings
Select the layers and set an output directory for the Gerber files. Then click “Plot” to export the Gerber file for the layers.
NOTES: Please tick all layers if you are not sure which layers you need. NEXTPCB will help you to check the right layers for PCB manufacturing.
Step 3: Output Drill files
Ensure the Plot format is set to “Gerber.” Next, please click the “Generate Drill File” button, and use the default values as the following picture. The output folder should be the default, which is the same as the Gerber files. Then click “Drill File” after everything is OK.
Step 4: Check the finished Gerber files
Please click “Close” to exit the windows of Plot and Drill. You can find all the data you need in the Gerber file folders. There is a Gerber viewer called “GerbView” in KiCad, and you can open it and check what the PCB looks like.
The Gerber files generated are all the production files PCB manufacturers need to quote and fabricate your PCBs. Please feel free to contact online services if you are still not clear about the processes.
Related Articles
How to export Gerber files from Eagle file?
What is Eagle software? EAGLE is a scriptable electronic design automation (EDA) application with schematic capture, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, auto-router, and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) features. EAGLE stands for Easily Applicable ...How to Export Gerber files From Diptrace Software?
DipTrace is an EDA/CAD software for creating schematic diagrams and printed circuit boards. The developers provide a multi-lingual interface and tutorials (currently available in English and 21 other languages). DipTrace has 4 modules: schematic ...How to export Gerber files from Altium Designer?
To place orders with HQ NextPCB, you should provide an archive file (.zip or .rar) containing Gerber files and drill files for PCB manufacture. This article will guide you through how to export Gerber files and NC drill files from Altium Designer. ...When will the engineers check the Gerber files?
After completing checkout and payment, our engineers will begin file review for any order or engineering issues. If any problems are found, we will send you an email to notify you of the issues. Once the issues have been resolved, the order will be ...How to place a PCB order?
Navigate to the NextPCB order page from the top menu and upload your PCB Gerber files on the order page. The website will parse the file and may extract parameters from the files and fill in these details for you such as PCB Size, Layer Count, Min. ...