A Gerber file is the standard manufacturing file used to produce printed circuit boards. It tells the PCB factory where to etch copper, where to open solder mask, where to print silkscreen, and where to drill holes. If your Gerber export is wrong, production stops immediately or the board is built incorrectly.
What files are usually included
- Top copper
- Bottom copper
- Inner copper layers for multilayer boards
- Top and bottom solder mask
- Top and bottom silkscreen
- Board outline
- Drill file
Why Gerber matters
Manufacturers do not build from screenshots or schematic PDFs. They build from fabrication data. Gerber plus drill files are the minimum package for quoting and fabrication.
Common export mistakes
- Missing board outline
- Drill file not included
- Mirrored bottom layer confusion
- Wrong units or precision
- Silkscreen printed over pads
Best practice before sending files
Zip the full Gerber set, name it clearly, and preview it in a Gerber viewer before upload. If you are not sure whether your export is complete, send the ZIP to our engineering team and we will check it for you.
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Need a PCB quote or file review?
Email jsdg@mayio.cloud or upload your files on our quote page.