Gerber-Extended File Format Information:
RS274 is the standard Gerber format output from many cad design programs. These files are used by our Cam (Pre-Engineering) Department to create the needed film plotting artwork for manufacturing. Gerber files are the graphic image files for your pad/traces for each layer, they consist of aperture/d-codes and X-Y coordinates. The d-codes refer to trace & pad size, shape, and the coordinates of the location and path of these d-codes. The Gerber file is ASCII code and can have slightly different content depending on which cad program was used to generate the code. (See sample Gerber file)

PCBexpress Services Require Gerber Formatted files from your cad system:

• Preferably Gerber Extended (Imperial/English/Non-Metric) formatted. (RS274-X)
• All outer layers (top and/or bottom) must be individual layers that do not require merging.
• 7 mil (.007) = Smallest traces & spaces.
• Files must be viewable from top/component side image looking through the board.
  Topside text should be right reading while back side text should be seen through from top side as "wrong reading". Please do not flip or rotate any of the files.
• Layer number MUST be on each Layer (1,2,3,4,5,6) as viewed from Topside. Layer text or part numbers may be placed outside the board image for reference only (see image).
• Cut lines indicating board edge can be on any layer, on the order form tell us which layer it is on.
• Open polygons could cause unpredictable plotting issues.

Please use our "TIPS" page to help check your design to prevent any holdups in your order getting processed.