How to Generate Gerber Files from KiCad: Step-by-Step Guide

To generate Gerber files in KiCad, open your PCB layout in the PCB Editor, then go to File > Plot. Select the layers you want to export, choose the Gerber format, and click Plot. Finally, use File > Fabrication Outputs > Generate Drill Files to create drill data for your PCB.

Syntax

In KiCad's PCB Editor, the process to generate Gerber files follows this pattern:

• File > Plot: Opens the plot dialog to select layers and output format.
• Layers selection: Choose which PCB layers to export (e.g., copper, silkscreen, solder mask).
• Output format: Select Gerber as the file type.
• Plot directory: Choose where to save the Gerber files.
• Plot: Click to generate the Gerber files.
• File > Fabrication Outputs > Generate Drill Files: Creates drill files needed for holes.

embedded_c

File > Plot > Select Layers > Gerber Format > Plot
File > Fabrication Outputs > Generate Drill Files > Select Options > Generate

Example

This example shows how to export Gerber files for a simple two-layer PCB:

1. Open your PCB in KiCad's PCB Editor.
2. Go to File > Plot.
3. Select layers: F.Cu, B.Cu, F.SilkS, B.SilkS, F.Mask, B.Mask.
4. Set output directory to C:\Users\User\Documents\PCB_Project\Gerbers.
5. Choose Gerber as the format.
6. Click Plot to generate Gerber files.
7. Then go to File > Fabrication Outputs > Generate Drill Files, select Excellon format, and click Generate Drill File.

embedded_c

1. Open PCB Editor
2. File > Plot
3. Select layers: F.Cu, B.Cu, F.SilkS, B.SilkS, F.Mask, B.Mask
4. Set output folder
5. Select Gerber format
6. Click Plot
7. File > Fabrication Outputs > Generate Drill Files
8. Select Excellon format
9. Click Generate Drill File

Output

Gerber files and drill files saved in the specified folder, ready for PCB fabrication.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when generating Gerber files in KiCad include:

• Not selecting all required layers, missing important PCB details.
• Forgetting to generate drill files, causing holes to be missing in manufacturing.
• Using incorrect units or format settings, leading to misaligned or unusable files.
• Saving files in the wrong directory, making it hard to find them later.
• Not verifying Gerber files with a viewer before sending to the manufacturer.

Always double-check your layer selection and output settings before plotting.

embedded_c

Wrong:
File > Plot > Select only F.Cu > Plot
No drill files generated

Right:
File > Plot > Select all needed layers > Plot
File > Fabrication Outputs > Generate Drill Files > Generate

Quick Reference

Summary tips for generating Gerber files in KiCad:

• Always select all relevant layers for your PCB design.
• Generate drill files separately after plotting Gerbers.
• Use the default Gerber settings unless your manufacturer specifies otherwise.
• Check output folder before plotting to keep files organized.
• Use a Gerber viewer to verify files before sending to fabrication.

Key Takeaways

Use File > Plot in KiCad PCB Editor to export Gerber files for selected layers.

Always generate drill files separately to include hole data for your PCB.

Verify all layers and settings before plotting to avoid missing details.

Save Gerber and drill files in a dedicated folder for easy access.

Check your Gerber files with a viewer before sending to your PCB manufacturer.