What is a Gerber Viewer?
A Gerber viewer is a software tool that allows you to open, view, and analyze Gerber files generated from PCB design software. These viewers enable you to check your PCB layouts for any errors, inconsistencies, or design rule violations before submitting them for manufacturing. By catching issues early on, you can save time and money in the long run.
Why Use a Gerber Viewer?
Using a Gerber viewer is essential for several reasons:
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Design verification: Gerber viewers allow you to visually inspect your PCB layouts to ensure they meet your design requirements and are free of errors.
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Manufacturability check: By reviewing your Gerber files, you can identify any potential manufacturing issues, such as incorrect layer stackups or spacing violations, before sending your designs to the fabricator.
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Collaboration: Gerber viewers enable you to share your PCB designs with team members or clients for review and feedback, facilitating better communication and collaboration.
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Cost savings: Catching design issues early on with a Gerber viewer can help you avoid costly manufacturing mistakes and delays.
Top 13 Free Gerber Viewer Software
Now, let’s dive into the 13 best free Gerber viewer software options available:
1. Gerbv
Gerbv is a popular open-source Gerber viewer that supports a wide range of Gerber file formats, including RS-274X and Excellon drill files. It offers a user-friendly interface and various tools for measuring, zooming, and panning your PCB designs.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supported formats | RS-274X, Excellon drill files |
| Cross-platform | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| User interface | Simple and intuitive |
| Measurement tools | Distance, angle, and area measurement |
2. KiCad GerbView
KiCad GerbView is part of the free and open-source KiCad EDA suite. It provides a powerful Gerber viewer with support for multiple file formats and advanced features like layer management and design rule checking (DRC).
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supported formats | RS-274X, Excellon drill files, ODB++ |
| Cross-platform | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Layer management | Easily toggle and customize layers |
| DRC | Built-in design rule checking |
3. ViewMate
ViewMate is a lightweight and easy-to-use Gerber viewer with support for RS-274X and Excellon drill files. It offers a clean interface and basic measurement tools for quick design checks.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supported formats | RS-274X, Excellon drill files |
| Cross-platform | Windows |
| User interface | Simple and clean |
| Measurement tools | Basic distance and angle measurement |
4. CircuitPeople
CircuitPeople is a web-based Gerber viewer that allows you to view and analyze your PCB designs directly in your browser. It supports various file formats and offers collaborative features for seamless team workflows.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supported formats | RS-274X, Excellon drill files, ODB++, IPC-2581 |
| Cross-platform | Web-based (works on any device with a browser) |
| Collaboration | Share designs and leave comments for team members |
| Measurement tools | Distance, angle, and area measurement |
5. Pentalogix ViewMate
Pentalogix ViewMate is another powerful Gerber viewer with support for a wide range of file formats. It offers advanced features like 3D viewing, layer comparison, and custom aperture editing.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supported formats | RS-274X, Excellon drill files, ODB++, IPC-2581, DXF, HPGL |
| Cross-platform | Windows |
| 3D viewing | View your PCB designs in 3D |
| Layer comparison | Compare and identify differences between layers |
6. Ucamco UcamX Gerber Viewer Free
Ucamco is the company behind the Gerber file format, and their free UcamX Gerber Viewer is a powerful tool for viewing and analyzing your PCB designs. It supports various file formats and offers advanced features like custom aperture editing and layer stackup checking.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supported formats | RS-274X, Excellon drill files, ODB++, IPC-2581 |
| Cross-platform | Windows |
| Custom apertures | Edit and create custom apertures |
| Layer stackup | Check your layer stackup for errors |
7. CAM350 Gerber Viewer
CAM350 Gerber Viewer is a free version of the popular CAM350 PCB post-processing software. It offers a user-friendly interface and supports various Gerber file formats, making it a solid choice for design verification.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supported formats | RS-274X, Excellon drill files, ODB++ |
| Cross-platform | Windows |
| User interface | Simple and intuitive |
| Measurement tools | Distance and angle measurement |
8. GerberLogix
GerberLogix is a lightweight Gerber viewer with support for RS-274X and Excellon drill files. It offers a clean interface and basic measurement tools for quick design checks.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supported formats | RS-274X, Excellon drill files |
| Cross-platform | Windows |
| User interface | Simple and clean |
| Measurement tools | Basic distance and angle measurement |
9. VisualCAM
VisualCAM is a powerful Gerber viewer with support for multiple file formats and advanced features like 3D viewing and layer comparison. It also offers a user-friendly interface and customizable keyboard shortcuts.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supported formats | RS-274X, Excellon drill files, ODB++, DXF, HPGL |
| Cross-platform | Windows |
| 3D viewing | View your PCB designs in 3D |
| Layer comparison | Compare and identify differences between layers |
10. ZofzPCB
ZofzPCB is a simple yet effective Gerber viewer with support for RS-274X and Excellon drill files. It offers a clean interface and basic measurement tools for quick design verification.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supported formats | RS-274X, Excellon drill files |
| Cross-platform | Windows |
| User interface | Simple and clean |
| Measurement tools | Basic distance and angle measurement |
11. FAB 3000
FAB 3000 is a web-based Gerber viewer that allows you to view and analyze your PCB designs directly in your browser. It supports various file formats and offers collaborative features for seamless team workflows.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supported formats | RS-274X, Excellon drill files, ODB++ |
| Cross-platform | Web-based (works on any device with a browser) |
| Collaboration | Share designs and leave comments for team members |
| Measurement tools | Distance, angle, and area measurement |
12. GerberView X
GerberView X is a powerful Gerber viewer with support for multiple file formats and advanced features like 3D viewing and layer comparison. It also offers a user-friendly interface and customizable keyboard shortcuts.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supported formats | RS-274X, Excellon drill files, ODB++, DXF |
| Cross-platform | Windows |
| 3D viewing | View your PCB designs in 3D |
| Layer comparison | Compare and identify differences between layers |
13. GerbTool
GerbTool is a lightweight Gerber viewer with support for RS-274X and Excellon drill files. It offers a clean interface and basic measurement tools for quick design checks.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supported formats | RS-274X, Excellon drill files |
| Cross-platform | Windows |
| User interface | Simple and clean |
| Measurement tools | Basic distance and angle measurement |
FAQ
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What is the best free Gerber viewer for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend using Gerbv or ViewMate. Both offer user-friendly interfaces and support the most common Gerber file formats, making them easy to get started with. -
Can I use a Gerber viewer to edit my PCB designs?
While some Gerber viewers offer limited editing capabilities, such as custom aperture editing, they are primarily designed for viewing and analyzing Gerber files. For comprehensive PCB design editing, you should use dedicated PCB design software. -
Are there any web-based Gerber viewers available?
Yes, there are web-based Gerber viewers like CircuitPeople and FAB 3000 that allow you to view and analyze your PCB designs directly in your browser, without the need to install any software on your device. -
Can Gerber viewers check for design rule violations?
Some Gerber viewers, like KiCad GerbView, offer built-in design rule checking (DRC) features that can help you identify potential design issues. However, for more comprehensive DRC, it’s best to use dedicated PCB design software. -
Do I need a powerful computer to run a Gerber viewer?
Most Gerber viewers are lightweight and don’t require a powerful computer to run effectively. However, if you’re working with large or complex PCB designs, a more powerful system can help improve performance and responsiveness.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Gerber viewer is essential for ensuring the accuracy and manufacturability of your PCB designs. With the 13 best free Gerber viewer software options listed in this article, you can find the perfect tool to meet your needs, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced PCB designer. By incorporating a Gerber viewer into your design workflow, you can catch issues early on, collaborate more effectively with your team, and ultimately save time and money in the manufacturing process.
