KiCad is an open-source software tool for the creation of electronic schematic diagrams and PCB artwork. Beneath its singular surface, KiCad incorporates an elegant ensemble of the following stand-alone software tools: The file extension list is not complete and only contains a. Load from file: Select.kicadpcb,.lib,.sch files. Load from URLs: Input space delimited URLs. Requesting url must be supports CORS header. In a KiCad project, the information that binds the various files that make up the project is contained in the file with the '.pro' extension. This file is maintained by the project manager. In a new project, the project manager will automatically create two files, one with the extension ‘.sch’ and one with the extension ‘.kicadpcb'.
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!
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
Kicad Pcb Project Download
Bottom Layer: pcbname.GBL
Solder Mask Top: pcbname.GTS
Solder Mask Bottom: pcbname.GBS
Silk Top: pcbname.GTO
Silk Bottom: pcbname.GBO
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
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
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!
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