Usually, it is easier to generate Gerber files using Kicad than other PCB design software. All you need to do is to select the necessary layers and to not forget generating the DRILL file. Now, let’s get started!
When you have a KiCad project to share with somebody, it is important that the schematic file.sch, the board file.kicadpcb, the project file.pro and the netlist file.net, are sent together with both the schematic parts file.lib and the footprints file.kicadmod. Only this way will people have total freedom to modify the schematic and the. All you need to do is to select the necessary layers and to not forget generating the DRILL file. Now, let’s get started! Open your.kicadpcb file. After opening your Kicad project -.pro file, you can double click the.kicadpcb file or click the “PCBNew” button to open your PCB editor. Plot your Kicad PCB as Gerber files. In the File menu, select Import and then the DXF File option. In the Import DXF File dialog use 'Browse' to select the prepared DXF file to be imported. In the 'Place DXF origin (0,0) point:' option, select the placement of DXF origin relative to the board coordinates (the KiCad board has (0,0) in the top left corner).
1. Open your .kicad_pcb file
After opening your Kicad project - .pro file, you can double click the .kicad_pcb file or click the “PCBNew” button to open your PCB editor.
2. Plot your Kicad PCB as Gerber files
Click the “File” menu -->”Plot” and choose the necessary layers shown as below (for 2 layer boards), then click the “Plot” button to generate the related layers.
The necessary layers for 2-layer PCB could be:
Top Layer: pcbname.GTL
Bottom Layer: pcbname.GBL
Solder Mask Top: pcbname.GTS
Solder Mask Bottom: pcbname.GBS
Silk Top: pcbname.GTO
Silk Bottom: pcbname.GBO
Kicad Pcb Software
Drill Drawing: pcbname.TXT
Board Outline:pcbname.GML/GKO
Note: In order to facilitate our access to your files, please do NOT check the 'Include extended attributes' before Plot.
3. Generate the drill file
Kicad Pcb Project Download
Before closing the plot window, you need also generate the drill for manufacturing. Select “Suppress leading zeros” and “Minimal header” and click “Drill File” button as following shown.
4. Check the Gerber files in GerbView
Now you have finished the job. But you should always check whether your Gerber files are working or not. Open the “GerbView” and check what your board looks like before sending it to manufacturer.
Now you can see your board like this.
5.Compress all the files in a single .zip file
Kicad Pcb Org
The final step is to Compress all the files in a single .zip file, then you can fill out the form about your PCB parameters ( size, quantity , layers , thickness , etc ) on our “PCB Instant quote” page and upload your .zip ( Gerber ) file to PCBWay online system, our engineers will check it again and feedback to you if any problems happen before it can be fabricated. Here we go!
