From KiCad Project to PCBA: Files, Assembly Scope and Ordering
Turn a KiCad design into a manufacturing request: prepare Gerber and drill files for bare boards, then add a BOM, placement data and clear assembly instructions for PCBA.
Choose bare PCB or assembled PCBA
A bare PCB order supplies the manufactured, unpopulated circuit board. A PCBA request also defines the components to purchase and fit, the assembly variant and any agreed programming or testing. Buying bare boards does not include components or firmware.
Start by recording a project name, released revision and board quantity. For assembly, identify the quantity of completed boards and whether all boards use the same population. If you need several variants, name each one and provide a separate population definition.
Prepare the manufacturing package
| File or requirement | What to include |
|---|---|
| Gerber and drill ZIP | Copper, soldermask, silkscreen, board outline and drill outputs from one released board revision; identify plated and non-plated holes. |
| BOM for assembly | Reference designators, quantities, values, footprints and manufacturer part numbers. Mark DNP parts and approval requirements for alternatives. |
| Placement file | Designator, X/Y position, rotation and board side, with consistent units and origin. |
| Assembly drawing | Polarity, pin 1, connector direction, hand-fitted parts and variant notes. |
| Additional requirements | Programming files, test procedure, mechanical constraints and acceptance criteria when requested. |
Keep native KiCad sources as supporting design information. They do not replace a clearly released manufacturing package unless source-file preparation has been separately agreed.
Export and check the files together
Use our illustrated KiCad export tutorial for the export workflow. Reopen the manufacturing outputs before submission: compare outline dimensions, layer count and hole information with the intended PCB. Compare BOM reference designators against placement data and the assembly drawing.
Review DNP parts explicitly. A component omitted from placement data is not, by itself, a complete instruction to omit it from the order. Keep the BOM, placement file and assembly drawing aligned on which parts are fitted.
Run the design checks appropriate to your project and review unresolved findings. Manufacturing file review is not a guarantee that the circuit, firmware or product meets its intended function.
Submit the package to DIYIPCB
- Open the PCB / PCBA ordering page and upload the Gerber ZIP.
- Review the detected board information and your selected manufacturing options against the released design.
- For assembly, add the BOM, centroid or placement file and supporting assembly information using the available assembly fields.
- State the required population, quantity and any programming or testing requirements in the project notes.
- Review the returned scope and resolve engineering questions before approving production.
If the package is incomplete, contact the team and identify what is missing. Request file preparation or design support explicitly rather than treating an unfinished export as a production release.
Confirm what the assembly quote includes
Confirm component supply, approved substitutions, assembly sides, through-hole or hand-soldered work, programming and the agreed checks. A powered functional test requires more than an instruction to “test the board”: provide the supply conditions, fixture or connections, procedure and pass/fail limits.
Before paying for a repeat batch, identify whether it is an unchanged revision or a revised build. Never mix updated firmware, an old BOM and a new PCB without a written configuration record.
Questions before ordering
Can I submit only the KiCad project?
Ask for source-file review or export assistance. A reviewed manufacturing package and explicit approval are still needed before production.
Is firmware programming included automatically?
No. Specify the image, target device, programming method and verification requirements so the service can be scoped.
How should I compare quantities?
List the alternatives as quote options, such as 5, 20 and 100 assembled boards, and use the same revision and acceptance scope for each.
Request a PCB or PCBA quote
Upload your manufacturing files and specify the board revision, quantity and assembly requirements. Price, component availability, programming, testing and production schedule are confirmed for the agreed scope.
Upload files for PCB / PCBA · Discuss an incomplete project package