PCB Fabrication File Formats
This page explains which file formats are commonly used for PCB fabrication, which files are recommended for manufacturing, and how to prepare your file package before submission.
Recommended File Package
The most widely recommended format for PCB fabrication is a complete manufacturing file package, usually including Gerber files and NC Drill files.
To reduce engineering review time and avoid missing data, it is best to send your manufacturing files in one ZIP package by email attachment.
Gerber files
NC Drill files
Board outline data
Fabrication notes if needed
One ZIP package
Common PCB File Types
| File Type | Recommended | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Gerber RS-274X | Yes | Standard manufacturing file format for PCB fabrication. Usually includes copper layers, solder mask, silkscreen, paste layers, and board outline data. |
| NC Drill File | Yes | Required for plated and non-plated hole drilling information. |
| Board Outline | Yes | Needed to define the final PCB profile and edge routing shape. |
| Readme / Fabrication Notes | Recommended | Helpful for explaining special requirements, stack-up notes, impedance notes, panel instructions, or special manufacturing requests. |
| PDF Drawing | Optional | Helpful as reference for board appearance, dimensions, layer notes, or assembly-related details. |
| Pick and Place File | Optional | Usually more relevant for PCB assembly than bare board fabrication, but may be useful in some projects. |
| CAD Project Files | Possible, but not preferred | Native design files from CAD software may be accepted as reference, but Gerber and drill output remain the preferred manufacturing data in most cases. |
| Image Files / Screenshots | No | PNG, JPG, screenshots, and similar files are not sufficient as manufacturing data for PCB fabrication. |
Common File Format Questions
1. Which file format is best for PCB fabrication?
In most cases, the best format is a complete Gerber file package together with NC Drill data. This is the industry-standard manufacturing format for PCB fabrication.
2. Do I need to send drill files?
Yes. NC Drill files are normally required to define hole positions and drill sizes. Without drill data, the manufacturing file package may be incomplete.
3. Can I send only a PDF drawing?
No. A PDF drawing alone is normally not enough for PCB fabrication. A PDF may be helpful as a reference file, but it is not a substitute for Gerber and drill manufacturing data.
4. Can I send CAD project files such as Altium, Eagle, or KiCad?
Native CAD project files may sometimes be used as reference, but they are generally not the preferred manufacturing submission format. Gerber files and NC Drill files are usually the preferred output for fabrication.
5. Should I compress my files into one ZIP package?
Yes. It is strongly recommended to place all manufacturing files into one ZIP package before sending them by email. This helps reduce missing files, version confusion, and file transfer problems.
6. What should be included in the ZIP package?
The ZIP package should normally include Gerber files, drill files, board outline data, and any fabrication notes or PDF reference documents that help explain the project.
7. Can image files or screenshots be used for production?
No. Image files, screenshots, or visual previews are not sufficient manufacturing data for PCB fabrication. Production requires proper CAM-output files such as Gerber and drill data.
8. What happens if my file package is incomplete?
If important data is missing, engineering review may be delayed and we may need to contact you for clarification or request additional files before production can proceed.
9. Do I need to include panel information if my order uses Customer Panel?
Yes. If your project uses a customer-defined panel structure, it is best to include the panelized manufacturing files or clear panel requirements in the file package.
10. How should I submit my PCB files after preparing them?
Please send your file package by email attachment after receiving your quote or placing your order. Our website currently does not provide direct online file upload for customer design files.
Simple File Preparation Guide
- Output Gerber files from your PCB design software.
- Output NC Drill files.
- Confirm that board outline data is included.
- Add fabrication notes or PDF drawing if needed.
- Compress everything into one ZIP file.
- Send the ZIP file by email attachment with your Quote ID.