How to Generate Gerber Files from Altium Designer Easily

To generate Gerber files in Altium Designer, open your PCB project, go to File > Fabrication Outputs > Gerber Files, configure the layers and settings, then click Generate. This creates the standard files needed for PCB manufacturing.

Syntax

In Altium Designer, the process to generate Gerber files follows this pattern:

• Open PCB Project: Load your PCB design file (.PcbDoc).
• Navigate to Fabrication Outputs: Use the menu File > Fabrication Outputs > Gerber Files.
• Configure Layers: Select which layers to include (copper, solder mask, silkscreen, etc.).
• Set Options: Define units, format, and other output preferences.
• Generate Files: Click the Generate button to create Gerber files.

These steps ensure you export the correct files for PCB fabrication.

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File > Fabrication Outputs > Gerber Files
Configure layers and options
Click Generate

Example

This example shows how to generate Gerber files for a simple two-layer PCB in Altium Designer:

1. Open your PCB project file (.PcbDoc).
2. Go to File > Fabrication Outputs > Gerber Files.
3. In the Gerber Setup dialog, select layers: Top Layer, Bottom Layer, Top Solder Mask, Bottom Solder Mask, Top Silkscreen, and Bottom Silkscreen.
4. Set units to mm and format to 2:5 (2 digits before decimal, 5 after).
5. Click Generate to create the Gerber files in your project folder.

The output will be a set of files like TopLayer.GTL, BottomLayer.GBL, TopMask.GTS, etc., ready for your PCB manufacturer.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when generating Gerber files in Altium include:

• Missing Layers: Forgetting to select all necessary layers like solder mask or silkscreen can cause manufacturing issues.
• Incorrect Units or Format: Using wrong units (inches vs mm) or format settings can lead to misinterpretation by manufacturers.
• Not Checking Drill Files: Gerber files do not include drill data; you must generate separate NC Drill files.
• Not Reviewing Output: Always use a Gerber viewer to check files before sending to fabrication.

Example of wrong vs right layer selection:

Wrong: Only Top and Bottom Copper layers selected
Right: Include Top/Bottom Copper, Solder Mask, Silkscreen, and Board Outline layers

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Notes
1	Open PCB Project	Load your .PcbDoc file
2	Go to Fabrication Outputs	File > Fabrication Outputs > Gerber Files
3	Select Layers	Include copper, solder mask, silkscreen, outline
4	Set Units and Format	Usually mm and 2:5 format
5	Generate Files	Click Generate to export Gerbers
6	Generate Drill Files	Separate NC Drill files needed
7	Review Files	Use Gerber viewer before fabrication

Key Takeaways

Always select all required layers including copper, solder mask, and silkscreen before generating Gerber files.

Set correct units and format to match your PCB manufacturer's requirements.

Generate separate NC Drill files as Gerber files do not include drill data.

Use a Gerber viewer to verify files before sending to fabrication.

Follow the menu path File > Fabrication Outputs > Gerber Files to start the export process in Altium.