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Help >> How to Export Gerber Files for PCB Manufacturing: The Complete Guide

How to Export Gerber Files for PCB Manufacturing: The Complete Guide

Gerber files are the industry-standard format that tells your PCB manufacturer exactly how to fabricate your board — copper layers, solder mask, silkscreen, and drill data all included. No matter which EDA software you design in, the export process follows the same underlying logic, even though the menus look different from tool to tool.

This guide covers the universal export checklist that applies to every EDA tool, then links out to step-by-step instructions for your specific software — so whether you already know what you're doing and just need your tool's steps, or you're not sure your export is complete, you can jump straight to what you need.

New to Gerber files, or need a refresher on what they actually are and how they work? See our background guide: Gerber Files: What They Are, How to Create, View & Convert.

  1. Table of Contents

The Universal Gerber Export Checklist

Regardless of which software you use, a complete, manufacturing-ready Gerber package needs:

  • All copper layers — top, bottom, and any inner layers for multilayer boards
  • Solder mask layers — top and bottom
  • Silkscreen layers — top and bottom (legend/overlay)
  • Board outline / mechanical layer — defines the physical shape and edge of the board
  • NC drill files (Excellon format) — plated (PTH) and non-plated (NPTH) holes; this is the step most commonly forgotten
  • Correct format and precision — RS-274X (or Gerber X2) with consistent units (mm or inch) and adequate decimal precision across all files
  • One complete set per board — don't mix Gerber and ODB++ or design-source files in the same archive
  • Packaged as a single .zip or .rar archive before uploading

Missing any of these is the single most common cause of manufacturing delays or DFM flags — most of the software-specific steps below exist to make sure you don't skip one of them.

Step-by-Step Guides by EDA Software

Already know which tool you're exporting from? Go straight to your software's guide:

Don't see your software listed? The checklist above covers the underlying logic every EDA tool follows — or contact our engineering support team and we'll walk you through the export process for your specific tool.

Validate Your Files Before You Order

Even a correctly configured export can go wrong — missing layers, mirrored silkscreen, or misaligned drill files are easy to miss by eye, and the most common reason files get sent back for revision. Before submitting your order, upload your archive to NextPCB's Free Online Gerber Viewer to preview every layer and run a free DFM check covering 50+ fabrication risk categories — no login required.

Check Your Gerber Files Now →

Once your files check out clean, you're ready to get an instant PCB quote.

FAQ

What file format does NextPCB accept for Gerber files?

RS-274X or Gerber X2, along with Excellon drill files. We also accept native KiCad (.kicad_pcb) files directly — no export needed.

Do I need to include drill files separately?

Yes. Drill data (PTH and NPTH) is a separate export step in every EDA tool and must be included in your archive alongside the Gerber layers.

What if my EDA software isn't listed here?

The export logic is the same across virtually all PCB design tools — follow the universal checklist above, or contact our support team for help with your specific software.

How do I check that my export is correct before ordering?

Upload your zipped files to the Free Online Gerber Viewer to preview all layers and catch missing files, mirrored layers, or DFM issues before they reach production.

My files passed the viewer check — what's next?

You're ready to order. Head to the PCB quote page to get an instant price based on your uploaded files.