The Importance of Checking Gerber Files Before Submission

When you are creating and ordering your printed circuit boards, you naturally want to make sure that there are no hiccups in the process. You want to make sure that the designs are perfect when they are submitted so you can get your PCBs as quickly as possible.

However, if you do not make use of a quality Gerber file viewer, you may find some issues. Even after you have spent a long time making sure that the board has been designed perfectly, it is still possible for errors to exist in the Gerber files. It is very frustrating to have this happen.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to find and handle these problems before they take control. In addition to having a quality design from the start, using a Gerber file viewer to locate issues is very important. Even if you are creating a relatively simple circuit board, you will find that having a file viewer can help to cut down on errors. Even the best designers and engineers can make mistakes. Viewing the Gerber files can help to ensure those mistakes do not persist and cause further problems.

What Are Gerber Files?

Before delving into how a file viewer can help, it is a good idea to have an understanding of what Gerber files are and why they are important. The files are considered the industry standard for printed circuit boards, which means they are what everyone knows and uses.

It has become the industry standard because Gerber is robust and able to describe a range of different circumstances regarding the board that everyone who is familiar with the file system can understand. It also makes it easier to send files out to a manufacturer because everyone is working from the same base. The Gerber file format should be used to ensure there are guidelines for the manufacturer. It describes the components of the PCB image, communicating the information to the manufacturer in a way they will understand.

Over the years, there have been several generations of Gerber files. These include the first generation, RS-274-D, which is also often called Standard Gerber. Extended Gerber, RS0274X is the second generation. The most recent Gerber file format is called Gerber X2.

Easily Check Your Gerber Files

Creating high-quality designs does not always mean you haven’t made any errors. There could still be issues that a Gerber file viewer can help to find so you can fix them. At AdvancedPCB, we offer a PCB file viewer, which makes it easy for you to add your files and view them. You can quickly and easily find out if there are any problems with the files before you move forward. One of the best features of our file viewer is that it can correct some types of problems automatically. This helps to speed up the process even further.

Our free file viewer software is very simple to use. Once you have exported files from the software program you are using to design the PCB, all you need to do is load them onto our site’s file viewer. It is a free system, and you can get your results very quickly. Just add your email address, so the results of the check can be sent to your email.

If there are issues with the design, you will be alerted in the results that are emailed to you. The report that you receive is graphical and very easy to understand. If there are remaining problems, you will know exactly what you need to address. As mentioned, it is sometimes possible for the software to fix certain issues automatically. In the results, you will find out if any issues were automatically corrected.

One of the other benefits of using AdvancedPCB is that we also provide free PCB Artist software. This is an ideal solution for those who need a quality, reliable program to create their printed circuit boards from the ground up.

If there are issues that were not corrected automatically, you will at least know where they are located. This allows you to go back to the proverbial drawing board, so you can then fix the issue or issues on your own.

Being able to check the files helps to eliminate the risk of trying to send through files for production that have errors in them. For anyone who is working in the field and even those who might be making a few prototypes for personal projects, errors cause delays. When projects are delayed, they can cost money, not to mention a substantial amount of frustration. Using a high-quality Gerber file viewer helps to cut down on these issues substantially.

How Else Will AdvancedPCB Help You?

As mentioned, AdvancedPCB also provides PCB Artist software, which makes it faster and easier to create a high-quality PCB design. It is powerful and easy-to-use software that is entirely free for those who want to use it. There are other benefits to working with us that you will discover.

We can provide a speedy turnaround time for those who are looking to have their PCBs manufactured. Not only are we able to manufacture quickly, but you will find that we are also able to ship quickly. We have been in the field for years and have become not only one of the largest companies in the industry but also one of the most trusted. There are no minimum orders when working with us, either. Whether you need one or two boards or you need 10,000, we can provide you with the help you need throughout the project.

Regardless of where you are in your design for a printed circuit board, it is time to check out all that AdvancedPCB can offer. From design software to a Gerber file viewing, manufacturing, and more, we have what you need. Get in touch and make sure that your board is error-free and ready for printing.