Export Gerber and drill files from KiCad

Prepare the PCB

Save the finished board, refill copper zones and resolve design-rule issues before exporting. Create a clean output folder for this revision.

Plot the manufacturing layers

1. In the PCB Editor, open File → Plot and choose Gerber. Set the output directory.
2. Select F.Cu, B.Cu and every internal copper layer used in the stackup. Include F.Mask/B.Mask, the required silkscreen layers and Edge.Cuts. Add paste layers if a stencil or assembly is required.
3. Export at 1:1 scale without mirroring. Keep the board outline in its own file and exclude drawing-sheet borders and unrelated fabrication drawings. Click Plot.

Generate Excellon drill files

1. Click Generate Drill Files from the Plot dialog, or open the drill-file command under File → Fabrication Outputs.
2. Select Excellon, use the same origin as the Gerber export and keep mirroring disabled. Export plated and non-plated holes with their identities clear. Generate the drill data into the same folder.

KiCad version and plugin notes

The Plot-plus-drill workflow applies to KiCad 5–9; labels and available options vary. Older versions may refer to an auxiliary axis, while newer versions expose drill/place-file origin settings. The important check is that all outputs use the same origin.

For the KiCad 10 plugin workflow, including Fabrication Toolkit and Gerber to Order, use our illustrated KiCad export and ordering tutorial. A plugin ZIP still needs the same file checks.

Check the exported files

Open the exported Gerbers and drill data together in a Gerber viewer. Confirm the outline dimensions, copper-layer count, pad-to-hole alignment, cutouts and mask openings. Check top and bottom views before accepting the export. A drill drawing or PDF does not replace machine-readable drill data.

Use one design revision per ZIP. Keep old exports outside the upload folder and identify any special stackup, slots or plating requirements in a fabrication note. See the complete Gerber package checklist.

Upload to DIYIPCB

Open DIYIPCB PCB / PCBA Online Quote, upload the Gerber ZIP and choose the material, specifications and quantity. Verify the displayed dimensions and layer count against your design; the preview is a reference, not engineering approval.

For bare PCBs, the Gerber ZIP must also contain the drill data. For assembly, provide a matching BOM and placement file as well. Use the available cart or inquiry option for your selected service. See BOM and placement-file requirements.

Software reference

Menu wording may vary by release. Consult the documentation for your installed version.

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