Gerber to PDF and DXF: How to Generate PCB Documentation with GerbView
In every electronics design workflow, Gerber files are the bridge between design and manufacturing. They define each PCB layer in precise detail — from copper routing to silkscreen graphics — ensuring your printed circuit board is built exactly as intended.
But Gerber files aren’t just for fabrication. With GerbView by Software Companions, you can easily transform your PCB Gerber data into professional documentation, including manufacturing PDFs and mechanical DXF drawings — all directly from your production data.
🧩 What Are Gerber Files?
Gerber files describe the 2D geometry of every PCB layer. Each file corresponds to a physical or functional layer, such as:
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Top/Bottom copper:
*.GTL,*.GBL -
Solder mask:
*.GTS,*.GBS -
Silkscreen:
*.GTO,*.GBO -
Board outline/mechanical layer:
*.GKO,*.GML -
Drill data (Excellon):
*.DRL
Because Gerber files are the final manufacturing format, they’re the most accurate and reliable foundation for generating documentation and mechanical data.
⚙️ Why Use Gerber Files to Generate PCB Documentation?
Instead of recreating views in your ECAD tool, using your Gerber data directly ensures that:
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📐 PDFs and DXFs exactly match what will be manufactured
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🔄 Documentation is always synchronized with production files
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🧠 Automation becomes possible, enabling repeatable build pipelines
You can generate:
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Manufacturing PDFs – clean, layered PCB visuals for fabrication and assembly
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Mechanical DXFs – precise board outlines and hole patterns for CAD tools
And the best way to do this is with GerbView.
💡 Introducing GerbView: A Powerful Gerber Viewer and Converter
GerbView by Software Companions is a professional Gerber viewer and file converter trusted by PCB designers, manufacturers, and mechanical engineers worldwide.
It supports all major formats (Gerber RS-274X, Gerber X2, Excellon, and ODB++), and it’s built for clarity, precision, and high-quality output.
Key GerbView features include:
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🖼️ Visualize and compare layers with full color control
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🧾 Export to PDF, DXF, SVG, and other vector formats
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🧭 Add annotations, text, and page frames for documentation
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⚡ Batch convert and automate via command line tools
🧾 How to Convert Gerber to PDF: PCB Manufacturing Documentation
Gerber → PDF conversion in GerbView is straightforward:
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Load all layers (copper, silkscreen, solder mask, drill).
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Adjust colors and visibility for clarity.
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Add notes, title blocks, or logos.
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Export as vector-based PDF.
Your output is a high-resolution manufacturing drawing suitable for:
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Fabrication documentation
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Assembly instructions
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Internal design reviews
🧱 How to Convert Gerber to DXF: Mechanical Integration Made Easy
Mechanical engineers often need PCB outlines and hole locations in CAD tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Fusion 360.
With GerbView, you can:
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Open your board outline or mechanical layer (
*.GKO,*.GML). -
Hide all other layers.
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Export directly to DXF format.
The DXF will include:
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Accurate board shape and dimensions
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Mounting holes and cutouts
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Optional fiducials and keepouts
This ensures perfect alignment between your PCB and mechanical design — with zero redraw errors.
🚀 Advantages of Using GerbView for PCB Documentation
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 100% Data Accuracy | Uses the same data sent to the fabricator |
| Vector Output | Crisp, scalable PDF and DXF exports |
| Automation Support | Command-line batch processing for CI/CD |
| Multi-Format Compatibility | Gerber X2, Excellon, ODB++ |
| Professional Results | Ideal for design reviews and manufacturing packages |
🔄 Example Workflow with GerbView
| Step | Task | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Import Gerber + Drill files | Layered PCB view |
| 2 | Verify alignment, adjust colors | Visual confirmation |
| 3 | Export manufacturing PDF | PCB_Drawing.pdf |
| 4 | Export board outline as DXF | PCB_Outline.dxf |
| 5 | Archive results with metadata | Ready for production |
This process can be repeated for every revision — or automated entirely.
🤖 Integrating GerbView into Automated Pipelines
For advanced teams, GerbView’s command-line interface allows automatic conversion and report generation.
You can integrate:
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Gerber-to-PDF exports for fabrication documentation
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Gerber-to-DXF exports for mechanical handoff
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Automated file naming and revision control
This turns PCB documentation into a repeatable, version-controlled process, minimizing manual effort and eliminating inconsistencies.
🏁 Conclusion
Your Gerber files are the most trustworthy representation of your PCB design — so why not use them to create all your documentation?
With GerbView from Software Companions, you can convert Gerber to PDF and Gerber to DXF effortlessly, producing professional, consistent, and synchronized documentation for every board revision.
Whether you’re building prototypes or managing production releases, GerbView ensures your PCB documentation looks as good as your design — and stays perfectly aligned with the data that makes it real.
