Send the right files once, skip the back-and-forth.
A complete file set and a few layout habits are the fastest way from upload to production. Here is exactly what we need and how to export it.
What to include in your upload.
Zip everything into a single archive. Filenames don't matter as long as each layer is identifiable.
Gerber files (RS-274X)
FabricationOne file per copper layer, plus solder mask, silkscreen, paste and board outline. Zip them together.
Excellon drill file
FabricationPlated and non-plated holes, either combined or as separate PTH / NPTH files.
Board outline
FabricationA closed outline on its own layer (GKO / GM1 / Edge.Cuts), including internal cut-outs and slots.
Bill of Materials (BOM)
AssemblyDesignator, quantity, value, footprint and manufacturer part number for every placed part.
Pick-and-place / centroid
AssemblyX, Y, rotation and side for each designator, in mm, referenced to the board origin.
Stack-up and fab notes
OptionalNeeded for impedance control: target impedances, reference layers and trace geometry.
Generating output files from your EDA tool.
KiCad
- 1.File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerbers (.gbr), select all copper, mask, silk, paste and Edge.Cuts layers.
- 2.Tick “Use Protel filename extensions” and “Subtract soldermask from silkscreen”.
- 3.Click Generate Drill Files, format Excellon, units in millimetres, PTH and NPTH in one file.
- 4.For assembly: File → Fabrication Outputs → Component Placement (.pos, CSV, mm) and export the BOM.
Altium Designer
- 1.File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerber Files, units in inches, format 2:5 (or mm 4:4), plot all used layers.
- 2.File → Fabrication Outputs → NC Drill Files, same units and format as the Gerbers.
- 3.Include the mechanical layer that carries the board outline.
- 4.For assembly: Assembly Outputs → Generates pick and place files, and Reports → Bill of Materials.
EasyEDA
- 1.Fabrication → PCB Fabrication File (Gerber) and download the generated zip.
- 2.Run the Design Rule Check first and clear every error.
- 3.For assembly: Fabrication → BOM and Fabrication → Pick and Place File.
Eagle / Fusion Electronics
- 1.Use the CAM Processor with a 2-layer or multilayer Gerber job (RS-274X).
- 2.Export Excellon drill data from the same job.
- 3.Run the mountsmd ULP for the centroid file and export the parts list as the BOM.
Using a different tool? Any RS-274X Gerber and Excellon drill set works. Menu names change between versions — if unsure, send what you have and we'll tell you what's missing.
Layout habits that avoid delays.
Stay above the minimums
The capability sheet lists the tightest values we can build. Designing at 0.127 mm (5 mil) trace/space and 0.3 mm vias instead of the limits improves yield and usually lowers cost.
Keep copper off the edge
Hold copper at least 0.2 mm from routed edges and 0.4 mm from V-cut lines, or it will be exposed or cracked when boards are separated.
Give the mask room
Solder mask bridges between fine-pitch pads need 0.10 mm (0.13 mm on black or white). If the bridge is thinner, it is removed and pads can bridge during soldering.
Mark polarity and pin 1
Put clear silkscreen marks for diodes, electrolytics and IC pin 1. It is the cheapest way to prevent assembly errors.
Add fiducials for assembly
Place three 1 mm copper fiducials with a 2 mm mask opening on each assembled side, or on the panel rails.
Think about the panel
Boards smaller than 50 × 50 mm, or with parts overhanging the edge, need rails and tabs for assembly. Tell us and we will panelize them for you.
Exact limits for every feature are on the capability sheet.
Ready to build your board?
Upload your Gerbers and get an engineer-reviewed quote, usually within one business day.