Convert Gerber to PDF with GerbView
Step-by-Step Guide to Converting and Sharing Gerber Data as PDF Files
Why PDF Matters
Modern PCB design doesn’t end when the layout is complete — it needs to be reviewed, shared, and documented.
Your Gerber files describe every trace, pad, and drill hole precisely, but they’re not always convenient
for quick review or collaboration. Project managers, customers, and fabricators prefer a simple, universal format they can open anywhere —
that’s where PDF comes in.
Converting your Gerber data to PDF makes your PCB design instantly viewable and printable on any device, without requiring specialized CAM software. It’s perfect for design reviews, fabrication notes, and project documentation, preserving exact layer detail in a clean, portable format.
With GerbView, you can achieve this in just a few clicks. This guide explains why Gerber-to-PDF conversion is valuable, and shows you how to perform it efficiently using both the graphical interface and command-line tools.
Why Convert from Gerber to PDF
- Universal sharing:
PDF files can be viewed on any operating system without PCB tools. Reviewers, managers, assembly shops, and customers can easily open and inspect your artwork without special software. - Documentation & reports:
PDFs are ideal for engineering notes, datasheets, revision control, and for embedding into Word or PDF-based reports. - Readable prints & review:
Vector PDFs preserve scale and sharpness, making them perfect for printing or detailed on-screen inspection.
GerbView can generate true vector PDFs. - Archive / traceability:
Store a human-readable, printable snapshot of a project alongside the original Gerber files for reference and documentation.
Important: PDFs are for viewing and documentation only — the Gerber files remain the authoritative manufacturing data.
Converting Gerber to PDF in GerbView (GUI Method)
1. Load your Gerber files
Open GerbView and choose File → Add Layer (or use the Home toolbar).
Select your Gerber and Excellon drill files to load them into the project.
Each file will appear as a separate layer in the left-hand panel.
In the screenshot below we've loaded one of the projects that are included with GerbView:
2. Verify scale and alignment
Before exporting, confirm that all layers are aligned and scaled correctly. Use the Measure tool to check known dimensions, such as the board width or a mounting-hole spacing. If layers appear misaligned, use Align Layers from the Tools tab. Use the Layer panel to reorder layers and change colors or transparency so the exported PDF conveys exactly what you want reviewers to see.
3. Adjust PDF conversion options
GerbView offers several settings for configuring PDF output. Most of the default options will work well, but depending on the PDF viewer or application you use, you may want to adjust some of them.
The PDF conversion settings can be found in the Application Options dialog, located under the Settings tab.
The following options are available:
- Create PDF/A Compliant Files:
Enable this option to generate PDF files that conform to the PDF/A archival standard.
Use the setting below to choose the desired PDF/A conformance level. - Select PDF/A Conformance Leve to use:
Choose which PDF/A conformance level to apply when PDF/A compliance is enabled.
The following levels are supported:- PDF/A-1B
- PDF/A-2B
- PDF/A-3B
- PDF/A-2U
- PDF/A-3U
- PDF/A-4
- PDF/A-4e (default)
- Enable Large Format PDF:
When enabled, the maximum page size increases from 5 × 5 meters to 60 × 60 meters — ideal for very large mechanical drawings. - Enable PDF Transparency:
When enabled, transparency effects are preserved in the exported PDF if Layer Transparency or Layer Merge is active during conversion. - High Resolution PDF Files:
For formats such as Gerber, enabling this option helps maintain the original file’s resolution for precise output. Note that file size may increase slightly. - Open Converted PDF files in Acrobat:
Automatically open the exported PDF in Adobe Acrobat or your system’s default PDF viewer after conversion.
4. Select PDF conversion method
The PDF conversion tools are located under the Conversion tab.
GerbView allows you to choose between three different methods:
- Combine all layers into a single PDF file:
Each loaded layer will become a separate layer within the final PDF file.
Use the Save as PDF option to create this type of file. - Export each layer as a separate page within a single PDF file:
Use the Save as PDF Multi-page option to create this type of file. - Export each layer as a separate PDF file:
Use the Save as PDF Multi-file option to generate one PDF file per layer.
When you select Save as PDF, a dialog will appear allowing you to choose which layers to include and whether to base the page size on the workspace or file extents.
If you choose workspace size, any visible annotations will also be included in the exported PDF.
Press Save to create the PDF file.
Sample Save as PDF dialog screenshot:
4. Export to PDF and verify
Open the resulting PDF in Acrobat Reader or any other PDF viewer: check layer visibility (if layered PDF), scale (100% if needed), and annotations.
If something is missing, re-check layer visibility and repeat.
In the screenshot below, you can see the result of a single-file layered PDF conversion, displayed in Adobe Acrobat Reader:
If you use the Save as Multi-page option, a similar dialog will appear, with an additional option to choose between color or monochrome layers as shown here:
In the screenshot below, you can see the result of a layered PDF multi-page conversion, displayed in Adobe Acrobat Reader:
GerbView automatically adds bookmarks for each page in the exported PDF, as shown below:
Batch Conversion with the Command Line
For automation or batch processing, GerbView’s command-line interface (CLI) provides full control over file conversion.
This is ideal for automated workflows generating documentation data from PCB designs.
Examples
Convert a single file to PDF:
GerbView.exe /c PDF "C:\input\board_top.gbr" "C:\output\board_top.pdf"
Combine several Gerber layers into one multi-layer PDF file (you can use wildcards):
GerbView.exe /cm PDF "C:\output\merged_board.pdf" "C:\input\*.gbr"
Merge multiple Gerber layers into a single multi-page PDF file (supports wildcards):
GerbView.exe /cp PDF "C:\output\merged_board.pdf" "C:\input\*.gbr"
For a full list of available switches, refer to the GerbView Command-Line Overview.
Practical tips & best practices
- Include Excellon drills in the exported PDF (so drill positions/sizes are visible) — GerbView loads Excellon drill files and can include them in exports.
- Use clear layer names and page labels when creating multi-page PDFs so reviewers can instantly find the layer they need.
- Add a revision stamp / changelog on the PDF first page (use markup tools) so anyone opening it later sees the version.
- Use the /c, /cm and /cp CLI switches for automated PDF generation in build scripts.
Conclusion
Converting Gerber files to PDF bridges the gap between technical precision and practical communication. While Gerber remains the manufacturing standard, PDF makes your PCB design accessible to everyone—engineers, reviewers, clients, and production partners—without the need for specialized tools.
With GerbView, the process is fast, accurate, and flexible. Whether you’re preparing documentation, reviewing a board layout, or archiving a project, you can create high-quality, vector-based PDFs that preserve every design detail.
Ready to try it yourself?
Download the latest version of GerbView, load your Gerber files, and create your first PDF export in minutes.
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