

# What is PCB Gerber file?

_Published: 2016-08-12_

TheÂ GerberÂ format is an open 2D binary vector image fileÂ format. It is the standard file used by printed circuit board (PCB) industry software to describe the printed circuit board images: copper layers, solder mask, legend, etc.

Gerber files should be inside a .rar or.zip archive with standard file extensions:

**Extension Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Layer**

- pcbname.GTLÂ Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â Â Top Copper
- pcbname.GTSÂ  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â Top Soldermask
- pcbname.GTOÂ  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â Top Silkscreen

- pcbname.GBLÂ  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â Bottom copper

- pcbname.GBSÂ  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â Bottom Soldermask:
- pcbname.GBOÂ  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â Bottom Silkscreen:
- pcbname.TXTÂ Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â Drills
- pcbname.GML/GKOÂ Â  Â  Â  Â *Board Outline:
- 4 layer board also need
- pcbname.GL2Â Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â Â Inner Layer2
- pcbname.GL3Â Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â Â Inner Layer3

**Notes:Â **Gerber file must be RS-274X format. Â Drill file(pcbname.TXT) should be Excellon format.

PCB Outline is required.

Gerber file is used for manufacturing process.