Usually, it is easier to generate Gerber files using Kicad than other PCB design software. All you need to do is to select the necessary layers and to not forget generating the DRILL file. Now, let’s get started!

1. Open your .kicad_pcb file

After opening your Kicad project - .pro file, you can double click the .kicad_pcb file or click the “PCBNew” button to open your PCB editor.

The brd file extension is associated with EAGLE (short for Easily Applicable Graphical Layout Editor), a CAE program for creating PCB schematics, developed and sold by CadSoft Computer, Inc. The brd file contains CAE data about a single PCB created and saved in the program. If there is also a.sch file (schematics) with the same file name, both are loaded at once, when a.brd file is opened. Once the file is in place, re-open KiCad, open the PCB footprint editor, and finally the Footprint Libraries Manager. You should see a long list of libraries including the new SparkFun libraries. The last step is to tell KiCad the local path to the SparkFun libraries. Adding a logo to your KiCAD PCB. For PCB design I use the open-source schematic and PCB design software KiCAD.Its a great program and has gotten a lot better recently. It is unlimited in size, components and number of layers and has lots of the features of very expensive professional PCB layout software. My operating system or distribution isn't listed! KiCad is an open source project, download instructions above are provided by the community. If you'd like to provide builds for your operating system or distribution, please submit a merge request.

2. Plot your Kicad PCB as Gerber files

Click the “File” menu -->”Plot” and choose the necessary layers shown as below (for 2 layer boards), then click the “Plot” button to generate the related layers.

The necessary layers for 2-layer PCB could be:

Top Layer: pcbname.GTL

Bottom Layer: pcbname.GBL

Solder Mask Top: pcbname.GTS

Solder Mask Bottom: pcbname.GBS

Silk Top: pcbname.GTO

Silk Bottom: pcbname.GBO

Drill Drawing: pcbname.TXT

Board Outline:pcbname.GML/GKO

Note: In order to facilitate our access to your files, please do NOT check the 'Include extended attributes' before Plot.

3. Generate the drill file

Before closing the plot window, you need also generate the drill for manufacturing. Select “Suppress leading zeros” and “Minimal header” and click “Drill File” button as following shown.

4. Check the Gerber files in GerbView

Now you have finished the job. But you should always check whether your Gerber files are working or not. Open the “GerbView” and check what your board looks like before sending it to manufacturer.

Now you can see your board like this.

5.Compress all the files in a single .zip file

The final step is to Compress all the files in a single .zip file, then you can fill out the form about your PCB parameters ( size, quantity , layers , thickness , etc ) on our “PCB Instant quote” page and upload your .zip ( Gerber ) file to PCBWay online system, our engineers will check it again and feedback to you if any problems happen before it can be fabricated. Here we go!

Kicad Schematic To Pcb

Open Kicad_pcb File Online