Export Gerber Files from Altium Designer

Exporting Gerber files from Altium Designer is a key step in preparing your design for PCB Manufacturing and PCB Assembly. These files ensure your board layout is correctly translated into fabrication data for SMT Assembly and Turnkey PCB Assembly.

Below is a step-by-step guide to exporting Gerber files properly.

Step 1: Open Your PCB Project

Start by opening your completed PCB layout file (.PcbDoc) in Altium Designer.

Before exporting, make sure your design is finalized and has passed all design rule checks (DRC). This helps prevent errors during PCB Manufacturing.

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Step 2: Open the Gerber Export Tool

Go to the top menu:

File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerber Files

This will open the Gerber setup window where you can configure export settings.

Step 3: Configure General Settings

In the “General” tab:

• Set Units (millimeters or inches, mm is recommended)
• Choose Format (e.g., 2:5 or 2:6 precision)
• Select RS-274X format (industry standard)
• Enable Embedded apertures

These settings ensure compatibility with most PCB Manufacturing processes.

Step 4: Select Layers to Export

Switch to the “Layers” tab and select all required layers.

Typical layers include:

• Top Layer (Top Copper)
• Bottom Layer (Bottom Copper)
• Internal Layers (for multilayer PCBs)
• Top Solder Mask
• Bottom Solder Mask
• Top Silkscreen (Overlay)
• Bottom Silkscreen
• Board Outline (Mechanical Layer)

Selecting the correct layers is critical for accurate PCB Assembly and fabrication.

Step 5: Configure Apertures and Advanced Settings

In the “Apertures” tab:

• Use Embedded apertures (RS-274X)

In advanced settings:

• Enable Plot Layers in correct order
• Mirror settings only if required (usually off for standard exports)

Step 6: Generate Gerber Files

Click OK to generate the Gerber files.

Altium will output a set of files, each representing a PCB layer. These files will be saved in your project’s output folder.

Step 7: Export NC Drill Files

Gerber files alone are not enough—you also need drill data.

Go to:

File → Fabrication Outputs → NC Drill Files

Configure:

• Units (same as Gerber)
• Format (match Gerber precision)

Export the drill file, which defines hole locations and sizes for PCB Manufacturing.

Step 8: Verify Gerber Files

Before sending files for PCB Assembly, always verify them using a Gerber viewer (Altium has a built-in viewer or you can use third-party tools).

Check for:

• Missing layers
• Alignment issues
• Correct board outline
• Proper pad and mask openings

This step helps avoid costly errors in SMT Assembly and production.

Step 9: Prepare for Turnkey PCB Assembly

For Turnkey PCB Assembly, you will need to provide:

• Gerber files
• NC drill files
• BOM (Bill of Materials)
• Pick and place (centroid) file
• Assembly drawings

A complete file package ensures smooth coordination between PCB Manufacturing and assembly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Exporting in outdated Gerber formats (always use RS-274X)
• Forgetting solder mask or silkscreen layers
• Mismatched units between Gerber and drill files
• Missing board outline
• Not verifying files before submission

Avoiding these mistakes ensures a smoother manufacturing process.

Conclusion

Exporting Gerber files from Altium Designer is a straightforward but critical step in PCB production. By correctly configuring settings, selecting the right layers, and verifying outputs, you can ensure high-quality results in PCB Manufacturing, SMT Assembly, and Turnkey PCB Assembly.

A well-prepared Gerber package minimizes errors, reduces delays, and helps deliver reliable electronic products.

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