How to open Gerber files in AutoCAD with free open source tools

Introduction to Gerber Files and AutoCAD

Gerber files are widely used in the electronics industry for designing and manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCBs). These files contain the necessary information for PCB Fabrication, including the copper layers, solder mask, and silkscreen. However, opening and editing Gerber files can be challenging, especially if you don’t have access to specialized PCB Design software. Fortunately, with the help of free open source tools, you can easily convert Gerber files to a format compatible with AutoCAD, a popular computer-aided design (CAD) software.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of converting Gerber files to AutoCAD-compatible formats using free open source tools. We will also discuss the benefits of using AutoCAD for PCB design and provide step-by-step instructions on how to import and edit your converted Gerber files in AutoCAD.

What are Gerber Files?

Gerber files are a standard file format used in the electronics industry for designing and manufacturing PCBs. They were developed by the Gerber Systems Corp. in the 1960s and have since become the de facto standard for PCB fabrication.

Gerber files contain all the necessary information for manufacturing a PCB, including:

• Copper layers
• Solder mask
• Silkscreen
• Drill data

Each of these elements is represented by a separate Gerber file, with a specific file extension indicating its purpose. For example, the copper layer files may have extensions like .GTL (Top Layer) or .GBL (Bottom Layer), while the solder mask files may have extensions like .GTS (Top Solder Mask) or .GBS (Bottom Solder Mask).

Benefits of Using AutoCAD for PCB Design

AutoCAD is a versatile CAD software that offers several advantages for PCB design, even though it is not specifically designed for this purpose. Some of the benefits of using AutoCAD for PCB design include:

1. Familiarity: Many engineers and designers are already familiar with AutoCAD, as it is widely used in various industries. This familiarity can make it easier for them to adapt to using AutoCAD for PCB design.

2. Powerful editing tools: AutoCAD offers a wide range of powerful editing tools that can be useful for PCB design, such as the ability to create complex shapes, manipulate objects, and add text and dimensions.

3. Integration with other software: AutoCAD files can be easily exported to other formats, such as DXF or DWG, which can be imported into other PCB design software or used for manufacturing purposes.

4. Customization: AutoCAD allows users to create custom scripts and macros using its built-in programming language, AutoLISP. This enables users to automate repetitive tasks and create custom tools specific to their PCB design needs.

Free Open Source Tools for Converting Gerber Files

There are several free open source tools available that can help you convert Gerber files to AutoCAD-compatible formats. Some of the most popular options include:

1. FlatCAM

FlatCAM is a powerful open source software that can be used for PCB design and manufacturing. It supports a wide range of file formats, including Gerber, and offers features like 2D and 3D viewing, drilling, and G-code generation.

To convert Gerber files to AutoCAD-compatible formats using FlatCAM:

1. Install FlatCAM on your computer.
2. Open FlatCAM and click on “File” > “Open”.
3. Select the Gerber files you want to convert and click “Open”.
4. Once the files are loaded, click on “File” > “Export” > “DXF”.
5. Choose a location to save the DXF file and click “Save”.

2. LibreCAD

LibreCAD is a free open source 2D CAD software that supports a wide range of file formats, including DXF. It offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of drawing tools, making it a good choice for PCB design.

To convert Gerber files to DXF format using LibreCAD:

1. Install LibreCAD on your computer.
2. Convert your Gerber files to DXF format using a tool like FlatCAM (as described above).
3. Open LibreCAD and click on “File” > “Open”.
4. Select the DXF file you created and click “Open”.
5. You can now edit and manipulate the PCB design using LibreCAD’s tools.

3. KiCad

KiCad is a free open source EDA (Electronic Design Automation) software that offers a complete suite of tools for PCB design, including schematic capture, PCB Layout, and Gerber File Generation.

To convert Gerber files to a format compatible with AutoCAD using KiCad:

1. Install KiCad on your computer.
2. Open KiCad and click on “File” > “Import” > “Non-KiCad Board Files”.
3. Select the Gerber files you want to import and click “Open”.
4. Once the files are imported, click on “File” > “Export” > “DXF”.
5. Choose a location to save the DXF file and click “Save”.

Importing and Editing Converted Gerber Files in AutoCAD

Once you have converted your Gerber files to an AutoCAD-compatible format, such as DXF, you can easily import and edit them in AutoCAD. Here’s how:

1. Open AutoCAD on your computer.
2. Click on “File” > “Open”.
3. Select the DXF file you created and click “Open”.
4. The PCB design will now be imported into AutoCAD.
5. Use AutoCAD’s editing tools to modify the PCB design as needed. You can move, rotate, scale, and copy objects, as well as add text and dimensions.
6. When you’re finished editing, click on “File” > “Save As” to save your modified PCB design.

Tips for Working with Converted Gerber Files in AutoCAD

Here are some tips to help you work more efficiently with converted Gerber files in AutoCAD:

• Use layers to organize different parts of your PCB design, such as copper layers, solder mask, and silkscreen. This will make it easier to manage and edit your design.
• Take advantage of AutoCAD’s snap and grid features to ensure precise placement of objects.
• Use AutoCAD’s built-in measurement tools to verify the dimensions of your PCB design.
• Create custom line types and hatch patterns to represent different PCB elements, such as traces and vias.
• Use AutoCAD’s scripting capabilities to automate repetitive tasks and streamline your workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use any version of AutoCAD to open converted Gerber files?

Yes, you can use any version of AutoCAD to open converted Gerber files, as long as the files are in a compatible format, such as DXF.

2. Do I need any special skills or knowledge to use the free open source tools mentioned in this article?

While some basic knowledge of PCB design and CAD software can be helpful, the free open source tools mentioned in this article are generally user-friendly and offer tutorials and documentation to help you get started.

3. Can I use the converted Gerber files in other PCB design software besides AutoCAD?

Yes, once you have converted your Gerber files to a standard format like DXF, you can import them into other PCB design software that supports this format.

4. Will converting Gerber files to AutoCAD-compatible formats affect the quality of my PCB design?

No, converting Gerber files to AutoCAD-compatible formats should not affect the quality of your PCB design, as long as the conversion process is done correctly and no information is lost.

5. Can I use AutoCAD to generate Gerber files for PCB manufacturing?

While AutoCAD is not primarily designed for generating Gerber files, you can use third-party plugins or scripts to export your PCB design from AutoCAD to Gerber format. However, it is generally recommended to use specialized PCB design software for this purpose to ensure compatibility and accuracy.

Conclusion

Converting Gerber files to AutoCAD-compatible formats using free open source tools is a viable solution for those who want to edit and manipulate their PCB designs in a familiar CAD environment. By following the steps outlined in this article and using the recommended tools, such as FlatCAM, LibreCAD, and KiCad, you can easily import your Gerber files into AutoCAD and take advantage of its powerful editing capabilities.

Remember to organize your design using layers, utilize AutoCAD’s precision tools, and consider automating repetitive tasks with scripting. With these techniques, you can efficiently work with converted Gerber files in AutoCAD and create high-quality PCB designs.

Tool	Description	File Format
FlatCAM	Open source software for PCB design and manufacturing	DXF
LibreCAD	Free open source 2D CAD software	DXF
KiCad	Free open source EDA software for PCB design	DXF

By leveraging the power of free open source tools and AutoCAD, you can streamline your PCB design process and achieve professional-quality results without the need for expensive specialized software.