How to export Gerber files from Altium, EasyEDA and Eagle
The layers, drill files and settings a manufacturer needs, step by step in three common design tools.
What your set must contain
Whatever the program, the manufacturer needs the same files. KiCad users find the equivalent steps in how to open and check Gerber files.
- Copper layers: top, bottom and every inner layer of a multilayer board.
- Solder mask: top and bottom.
- Silkscreen (legend): top and bottom.
- Board outline as a closed shape, with cut-outs and slots included.
- Drill files in Excellon format, with plated and non-plated holes kept apart.
- Paste layers and assembly files are not needed for bare boards.
Altium Designer
- Run the design rule check (Tools → Design Rule Check) and fix every error.
- Choose File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerber Files.
- On the General tab choose the units and the format (2:5 in inches or 4:5 in millimetres) and keep the RS-274X format with embedded apertures.
- On the Layers tab tick the copper layers, the solder mask layers, the overlay layers and the mechanical layer that holds the board outline; leave the paste layers off.
- Choose File → Fabrication Outputs → NC Drill Files with the same units and format.
- Put every generated file into one ZIP archive.
EasyEDA
- Run the design rule check in the PCB editor.
- Choose Fabrication → Generate Fabrication File (Gerber); in EasyEDA Pro use File → Export → PCB Fabrication File (Gerber).
- Keep the downloaded ZIP archive as it is: it already contains the Gerber layers and the drill files.
- Check that the board outline layer is inside the archive.
Eagle and Fusion Electronics
- In Eagle open the CAM Processor (File → CAM Processor), load the standard Gerber job and press Process Job.
- Run the Excellon drill job in the same way.
- In Fusion Electronics generate the CAM data in the manufacturing workspace and collect the output files.
- Zip all Gerber and drill files together.
Check the set before you upload
- Open every layer in a viewer.
- Confirm that the outline is closed and that the drill holes sit on the pads.
- Make sure that all files use the same units and the same origin.
- Compare the number of copper layers with what you want to order.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Board outline missing | The shape of the board is unknown and has to be clarified first |
| Plated and non-plated holes merged in one drill file | Questions about which holes need plating |
| Different units or format in the Gerber and drill files | Holes shifted against the pads |
| A layer exported mirrored | Copper or text as a mirror image |
| Only paste and assembly files | No copper or solder mask information at all |
Next step
Upload the archive to the price calculator: it reads the layers, shows a preview and gives an instant estimate. The rules for the files are in the Gerber guide; the DFM checklist covers the design side.
Frequently asked questions
Which file format do you need?
Gerber files (RS-274X) for every layer and Excellon drill files, together in one ZIP or RAR archive. This is what the calculator reads and previews.
Do I need to send the paste layer or the pick-and-place file?
Not for bare boards. They are only used for stencils and assembly.
Can I send the native project file instead of Gerbers?
The Gerber set is the reliable way, because it contains exactly what will be manufactured. Native files depend on the program version and settings.
Browse the questions and answers →
Upload your files and see the price
Add your Gerber files in the calculator: you see the board, the options and an instant price in euros.
Upload files in the calculator →Ask an engineer
Not sure what applies to your board? Describe it in a few lines and our engineers will advise you.