The Gerber File of Printed Circuit Board
(PCB)
The Gerber file is an open 2D vector image format. It is a standard file type used in the PCB industry to describe the layer of the Printed circuit board (PCB), e.g. copper layers, solder mask, legend…etc. For fabrication purpose, the Gerber files must be contained in one .zip or .rar archive with the following standard file extensions:
| Extension | Layer |
| pcb.GTL | Top Layer |
| pcb.GTS | Top Solder |
| pcb.GTO | Top Overlay |
| pcb.GBL | Bottom Layer |
| pcb.GBS | Bottom Solder |
| pcb.GBO | Bottom Overlay |
| pcb.TXT | Drill file |
| pcb.GML/GKO | Outline |
| pcb.GL2 | Inner layer 2 (for multi-layer PCB) |
| pcb.GL3 | Inner layer 3 (for multi-layer PCB) |
Missing any files of the above list will cause PCB supplier a huge challenge. Also note, for getting a quote from a PCB supplier, the more detailed Gerber file you provide, the more accurate quote you will get!
Want to learn more about the Gerber file format? Please read the below article.
☑ What format of Gerber are most commonly used in PCB industry?