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BEFORE YOU ORDER
PCB files, specifications & ordering guide
Check the points below to help us review your project and avoid clarification delays.
1. Prepare your Gerber files
- Gerber archive: include all copper layers, solder mask, required silkscreen, a clear board outline and drill files. For multilayer boards, include every inner copper layer and state the top-to-bottom layer order in PCB Remark.
- Holes, slots & panels: clearly identify plated and non-plated holes, routed slots, V-cuts and any panel drawing. If ordering panels, specify the panel dimensions, array and number of individual boards.
Which files belong in a Gerber archive?
Export extended Gerber (RS-274X or Gerber X2) for the board layers, plus Excellon NC drill files. Use one consistent coordinate origin and matching file revisions.
| Layer / file | Common extensions or filenames | When needed |
|---|---|---|
| Top / bottom copper | .GTL / .GBL; *F_Cu.gbr / *B_Cu.gbr | Include every copper layer present in the design. |
| Inner copper | .G1, .G2, …; .GP1, .GP2, …; *In1_Cu.gbr, *In2_Cu.gbr, … | Required for multilayer boards. Identify the full top-to-bottom copper layer order. |
| Solder mask | .GTS / .GBS; *F_Mask.gbr / *B_Mask.gbr | Include the mask layers for the sides that require solder mask. |
| Silkscreen / legend | .GTO / .GBO; *F_Silkscreen.gbr / *B_Silkscreen.gbr | Include each side that needs printed text or markings. |
| Board outline / routing | .GKO, .GML, .GM1; *Edge_Cuts.gbr | Include a clearly identified, closed board outline and any routed cutouts. Identify the correct mechanical layer if several are exported. |
| NC drill | .DRL, .TXT, .XLN; *PTH.drl / *NPTH.drl | Required for holes and drilled slots. Distinguish plated and non-plated holes; a drill drawing alone is not NC drill data. |
| Solder paste / stencil | .GTP / .GBP; *F_Paste.gbr / *B_Paste.gbr | Include the relevant sides when ordering a stencil or assembly. |
| Fabrication requirements | Enter in PCB Remark | Write the required layer order, stackup, impedance targets and all special manufacturing instructions directly in PCB Remark. Do not leave these requirements only in PDF, readme or other files inside the Gerber archive. |
Extensions are naming conventions, not a content check. A layer may also use .GBR, .GER or .PHO with a descriptive filename. Keep the original CAD export names; do not rename a PDF, image or PCB design file to a Gerber extension. A .TXT file is suitable for drilling only when it contains actual NC drill data.
Example for a two-layer board: top and bottom copper, the required solder mask and silkscreen layers, a board outline and all applicable drill files. A four-layer board also needs both inner copper layers; higher layer counts need every additional inner layer.
Package the Gerber and drill files together in ZIP or 7Z. For online project submission, use up to 20 MB per file and 40 MB total across attachments. A preview is for reference; fabrication follows the reviewed production files.
2. PCB specifications & standard stackup
| Item | What to specify |
|---|---|
| Material & layer count | Select the material and number of copper layers that match your design. |
| Board or panel size | Enter the finished outline dimensions. For panels, include the panel drawing and individual board count. |
| Thickness & copper | Select the finished board thickness and outer copper weight. State any inner copper requirement in PCB Remark. |
| Finish & solder mask | Choose the surface finish and board color. Specify any special finish or selective plating requirement. |
| Default stackup | The default reference follows the selected FR-4 layer count. Open the question mark beside Impedance Control for the full layer table and applicable board thickness. |
| Controlled impedance | Select Impedance Control and enter the target impedance, relevant layers, trace widths and spacing in PCB Remark. A stackup reference alone does not request impedance control. |
Other thicknesses, copper weights and layer counts require their corresponding stackup. For a specific construction, write the required stackup in PCB Remark. A supporting drawing may be supplied, but the manufacturing requirements must also be stated in PCB Remark.
View PCB manufacturing capabilities for design limits and process details. Requirements outside the listed options can be submitted for review.
3. Understand your quote, quantity & lead time
Review the current price summary and checkout total. PCB, optional stencil and shipping are separate cost items. Options needing engineering review may require a revised quotation before production.
If you enable PCB Assembly, also upload the BOM and placement files and submit an inquiry for a formal assembly quotation.
PCB quantity is the number of boards requested. If supplying a panel, clearly state how many panels and individual boards are required; include the panel drawing so the order can be checked.
Production time and shipping transit time are different. The production schedule depends on payment, file approval and the selected manufacturing processes. Clarification, file changes and additional processes can affect the schedule. Confirm a required delivery date when submitting your project.
4. Common questions & special requirements
What if the Gerber preview looks wrong?
Check the dimensions and uploaded file revision. The preview is for reference and may not show every cutout or feature. Describe any concern in the remarks for engineering review.
How do I request a specific stackup or impedance?
Write the stackup requirements directly in PCB Remark, including the layer order, thicknesses and copper requirements. For impedance control, also enter the impedance targets and the corresponding nets or layers in PCB Remark. Do not rely on instructions placed only inside the Gerber archive.
What if I need to change a submitted file?
Contact us with your order or quote reference and the revised file before production. Please wait for confirmation that the revision has been accepted; an uploaded or emailed revision does not automatically replace approved production files.
Production file export guides
Choose your design tool for step-by-step Gerber, drill, BOM and placement-file instructions. Guides open in a new tab so you can keep preparing your order here.
