Exporting Gerbers
We added a component to the schematic, we modified the PCB layout, and we checked for errors.
Now we are confident and ready to have our boards made! Time to export the gerber files.
Generate Drill and Gerber Files Gerber files are the ‘artwork’ or the layers that the PCB fabrication house will use to construct the board. Click on the ‘Plot’ button next to the printer icon in the top bar to open the ‘Plot’ window.
In general, there are 8x layers you need to have a PCB fabricated:
- Top Copper (F.Cu)+ Soldermask (F.Mask) + Silkscreen (F.SilkS)
- Bottom Copper (B.Cu) + Soldermask (B.Mask) + Silkscreen (B.SilkS)
- Board outline (Edge.Cuts)
- Drill file
In the Plot window with the Plot format set for Gerber, be sure these Layers are checked:
- ☑ F.Cu
- ☑ B.Cu
- ☑ B.SilkS
- ☑ F.SilkS
- ☑ B.Mask
- ☑ F.Mask
- ☑ Edge.Cuts
To comply with EPDC format, keep the “Use extended X2 format” uncheck.
Additionally, click on ‘Generate Drill File’ button. You can use the defaults here as well. More on the PTH vs. NPTH check box in a minute. For now just click ‘Drill File’ or press enter to generate the drill file.
Click on ‘Close’ in the ‘Drill Files Generation’ window. Click ‘Plot’ to generate the gerber files for the layers and then click ‘Close’.
Source: https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/beginners-guide-to-kicad/exporting-gerbers