How to get started with GerbView

• Download the GerbView installer from the official download site.
• Run the installer and follow the prompts.
• Launch GerbView — you’ll see the main workspace with a blank canvas.

  Initial screen after starting GerbView:

  

  Until you have entered a valid serial number you will be given three different options at startup as shown above.
  These options are as follows:

  • I've already bought a license. Select this option if you have purchased a license and received a serial number.
  • I want to purchase a license now. If you select this option, you will be redirected to an Internet page where you can purchase a license.
  • I want to evaluate the software. Select this option to run the software in evaluation mode. At the bottom of the dialog you can see how many days that are remaining of the evaluation period.

• Click the Add Layer button in the Home Tab.
• Select one or more Gerber files from your project folder, or load the sample files included with the installation.
  This command can also be used to load AutoCAD DXF, Excellon, HPGL/2, and PDF files.
• Once loaded, the PCB layers will appear in the main view:
  

• Zoom: Scroll the mouse wheel or use the + / – keys.
• Pan: Press the mouse wheel button and drag. You may also use the arrow keys for panning.
• Fit to Screen: Press the Zoom to Extents button found in the Home Tab.

• Toggle layers on/off with the checkbox. For example, to hide silkscreen to clearly inspect copper traces.
• Reorder layers to view your PCB as intended.
• Change layer colors for easier inspection.

• Measure Distance: Use the measurement tool to check trace widths, clearances, and hole diameters. By default, the snap to objects mode is enabled, but you can easily disable this by clicking the Toggle Snap button or press the F9 key.
• Inspect Items: Select pads and tracks to see coordinates and attributes.
• Units: Switch between metric and imperial units by using the dropdown at the bottom of the window, or the settings.

• Convert to PDF for easy sharing. Choose between:
  • A single-page PDF, where all loaded layers are combined as separate PDF layers.
  • A multi-page PDF, where each loaded layer is placed on its own page.
  • A multi-file PDF, where each loaded layer is exported as a separate PDF file.
• Convert to DXF for use in CAD and CAM tools.
• Save as an image (PNG, TIFF, JPEG and more) for inclusion in reports or documentation.
• Convert legacy Gerber (RS-274D) files to extended Gerber (RS-274X).
• Convert back to Gerber if you’ve made adjustments, such as adding text, images or QR codes.
• Convert Gerber to other formats such as CGM, SVG and HPGL/2.
• Convert DXF to Gerber.

• Print each layer on a separate page or combine all layers into a single composite view.
• Adjust scaling options to print at 100% scale for exact measurements or fit to page for quick reviews.
• Choose between color or black & white output, depending on your needs.
• Display a full print preview before printing.

• Go to File → Open ODB++ and open an ODB++ file from your computer (.zip, .tgz, or .tar).
• GerbView automatically detects the ODB++ structure and displays its layers.
• You can then explore drill data, component lists, netlists, and layer stackups directly from the dataset.
• Convert ODB++ layers into individual Gerber files.
• Convert ODB++ component layers to DXF.
• Export ODB++ component reports to Excel for documentation or manufacturing reference.

• Add both the original and revised Gerber files.
• Use the Compare Layers feature to overlay the two versions.
• Differences are highlighted automatically, so you can quickly detect any edits before manufacturing.
• For step-by-step guidance, see the Compare Gerber tutorial.

• Check out the complete tutorial list to learn more about the available features.
• Join the support forum or contact support if you need help.

Learn more about GerbView

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