4.2. Generate Gerber files

4.2. Generate Gerber files

Once your PCB is complete, you can generate Gerber files for each layer and send them to your favourite PCB manufacturer, who will make the board for you.

  1. From KiCad, open the Pcbnew software tool and load your board file by clicking on the icon open_document_png.
  2. Click on File → Plot. Select Gerber as the Plot Format and select the folder in which to put all Gerber files. Proceed by clicking on the Plot button.
  3. These are the layers you need to select for making a typical 2-layer PCB:
LayerKiCad Layer NameOld KiCad Layer NameDefault Gerber Extension“Use Protel filename extensions” is enabled

Bottom Layer

B.Cu

Copper

.GBR

.GBL

Top Layer

F.Cu

Component

.GBR

.GTL

Top Overlay

F.SilkS

SilkS_Cmp

.GBR

.GTO

Bottom Solder Resist

B.Mask

Mask_Cop

.GBR

.GBS

Top Solder Resist

F.Mask

Mask_Cmp

.GBR

.GTS

Edges

Edge.Cuts

Edges_Pcb

.GBR

.GM1