Once you design a circuit board in a computer-aided design (CAD) program, it is possible to send your schematics over to a fabrication plant so that they can render your plans into an actual printed circuit board (PCB). Depending on the manufacturing company you choose, you will need to determine their preferred file submission format. Most companies will list their submission specifications on their websites.

For many PCB fabrication companies, the preferred file format is a Gerber file. Quite different from a graphic format like a GIF or a JPEG, the Gerber file is an ASCII text file used to plot a circuit's schematic design onto a photosensitive film. The file can be read by high-end photoplotters that will transfer your design, eventually, onto a printed circuit board.

When designs are transferred onto circuit boards at the fabrication plant, they are applied to the copper board via this photosensitive film. Essentially, the design is the exact same one that you designed in your CAD application. The file moves from a graphic format (in the design application) to a text format (the Gerber file) back to a graphic format (on the photosensitive film).

Converting Your Own Designs into Gerber Files

If your CAD application doesn't have a feature to convert your design projects into Gerber files, don't despair. Several PCB manufacturing companies have their own proprietary software for Gerber file conversion. Check your preferred company's website to see if they offer any such applications for your use.