Preparing Gerber files: a PCB quote checklist
Upload the Gerber layers and Excellon drill files for one board revision to pcb.express in a single ZIP, up to 25 MB. Compare the detected layer count and dimensions with your design before reviewing the estimated price.
What belongs in the ZIP?
The calculator reads fabrication outputs. A native PCB project or a screenshot of your board does not replace Gerber and drill files.
- Every copper layer: top and bottom for a two-layer board, plus the inner layers for four- and six-layer boards.
- The layer containing the closed board outline; Edge.Cuts in KiCad.
- The top and bottom solder mask and silkscreen layers used in the design.
- Excellon drill files, including both plated (PTH) and non-plated (NPTH) files if exported separately.
How do I export from KiCad?
In PCB Editor, export Gerbers through File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerbers. Select the copper, mask, silkscreen and Edge.Cuts layers. Then generate Excellon output through Drill Files. Use the same coordinate origin for Gerber and drill files. Open the outputs together in a Gerber viewer to check their alignment.
What should I verify after uploading?
Check that the detected layer count and dimensions match your design. Review the hole count and minimum drill diameter. If the dimensions look wrong, inspect the board outline, units and layer alignment before accepting them. Pre-check findings can help correct selections; compare each warning with your own design.
Common file problems
Mixing different board revisions or unrelated designs in one ZIP can make layer matching ambiguous. Include only the revision you want to quote. Re-export missing inner copper layers, forgotten drill files or an incomplete outline from your design tool. Altium and Eagle Gerber naming is also recognised; uploading the native project alone is not sufficient.
What does the automatic pre-check miss?
Detected layers, dimensions and drill information are compared with your selections. The pre-check does not fully check trace/space, annular rings, edge clearance or solder mask. Run DRC in your design tool; manufacturing requires a separate file review.