gerbv

gerbv is a free and open-source Gerber viewer that makes it easy for you to check your PCB designs. If you're working with PCBs, you probably know that Gerber files are the main format used for sharing designs with manufacturers. These files usually come from PCB CAD tools like the gEDA Project's PCB.

Understanding Gerber Files

So, what exactly are Gerber files? Well, there are two main standards: the older RS-274D and the newer RS-274X. The old format, RS-274D, doesn’t have aperture information included, which means you’ll need to provide that separately. On the flip side, the new standard—RS-274X—includes all that info right in the file! This makes it super handy when you're trying to view your designs.

Why Choose RS-274X?

If you're using gerbv, just remember it only shows RS-274X files. So when you’re exporting your Gerber files from your PCB tool, make sure to choose RS-274X if you want to see them in gerbv.

Layers in Your Designs

The cool thing about Gerber files is they separate different layers of a PCB into individual files. For example, you'll have separate files for things like top silk and top metal layers. However, keep in mind that information about how these layers stack up—like their order and thickness—isn't part of the Gerber file itself. You’ll need to provide this info when working with gerbv or your PCB manufacturer.

Get Started with gerbv!

If you’re ready to dive into your PCB projects using gerbv, make sure you understand these formats and layer details well. It’s all about making your design process smoother and ensuring everything looks just right before sending it off for manufacturing!