Gerber Export Guide

Generate industry-standard Gerber RS-274X files for PCB fabrication.

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1. Quick Export

# CLI
zaptrace export gerber --design design.yaml --output output/gerber/

# Python
from zaptrace.export import gerber
gerber.export(design, output_dir="output/gerber/")

2. Output Files

File	Layer	Description
*.GTL	Top copper	Signal traces, pads
*.GBL	Bottom copper	Signal traces, pads
*.GTS	Top solder mask	Solder mask openings
*.GBS	Bottom solder mask	Solder mask openings
*.GTO	Top silkscreen	Component outlines, reference designators
*.GBO	Bottom silkscreen	Component outlines
*.GTP	Top solder paste	Solder paste stencil apertures
*.GBP	Bottom solder paste	Solder paste stencil apertures
*.GKO	Board outline	Edge cuts, board shape
*.GM1	Drill data	NC drill file

3. Configuration

# In design YAML or CLI config
gerber:
  format: "RS-274X"
  units: "millimeters"
  precision: "4.6"  # 4 integer, 6 decimal digits
  subtract_soldermask_from_pads: true
  plot_through_hole_pads: true
  plot_via_pads: true
  plot_invisible_text: false

4. Validation Checklist

• [ ] All layers generated without errors
• [ ] Board outline matches design dimensions
• [ ] Solder mask tenting on vias (if desired)
• [ ] Silkscreen reference designators readable
• [ ] No overlapping or zero-width traces
• [ ] Minimum annular ring ≥ 0.05mm
• [ ] Copper-to-edge clearance ≥ 0.2mm

5. Manufacturers

ZapTrace Gerber output is compatible with:

• JLCPCB — Upload .zip of all files
• PCBWay — Upload .zip of all files
• OSHPark — Upload .zip of all files (purple PCB!)
• Seeed Studio Fusion — Upload .zip
• Any RS-274X compatible fab