What is ODB++ File Format

ODB++ PCB File Format Information

ODB++Design is a PCB manufacturing data exchange format created to transfer a complete product model from PCB design systems to downstream fabrication, assembly, and test environments. Instead of relying on a loose collection of separate manufacturing files, the format is designed to package a broad set of production data in a single structured dataset.

This makes ODB++Design especially useful when manufacturers need more than copper artwork alone. A typical PCB handoff may also require drill information, net connectivity, component placement, layer definitions, attributes, and other details needed to build, assemble, and verify the board correctly.

ODB++ was introduced in 1995 and later evolved into ODB++Design, which is maintained by Siemens as part of the broader ODB++ family. The format is intended to reduce ambiguity, improve automation, and lower the amount of manual interpretation required during engineering preparation.

ODB++ File Format History and Versions

ODB++ - Original Format

ODB++ began as a manufacturing-oriented PCB data model intended to move beyond older output methods that separated board information into multiple independent files. The goal was to provide a richer and more complete digital definition of the board for downstream manufacturing systems.

ODB++ Version 7

Version 7 is one of the widely referenced legacy generations of the format and remains important for compatibility with older CAD, CAM, and viewing workflows. It is still commonly mentioned in documentation and export support matrices.

ODB++Design Version 8 / 8.1

In the version 8 generation, the naming shifted toward ODB++Design. The 8.1 specification expanded and refined the product model with updates related to metadata, modern fabrication requirements, stackup-related information, zones, and other manufacturing-oriented enhancements.

ODB++Design Today

Today, ODB++Design is positioned as the PCB design handoff member of the larger ODB++ family. For most web pages focused on PCB data output from CAD tools, ODB++Design is the correct variant to highlight.

What Information Can an ODB++Design Package Contain?

An ODB++Design dataset can include much more than image data for PCB layers. It is intended to represent the electronic product model used by fabrication, assembly, and test processes.
Depending on the CAD system and export settings, an ODB++Design package may contain:

Copper, solder mask, silkscreen, and other layer definitions
Drill, rout, and tooling information
Component placement data and orientations
Electrical net and connectivity information
Fabrication and assembly attributes
Stackup-related and material-related information
Metadata and additional manufacturing intent

This broader scope is one of the main differences between ODB++Design and traditional Gerber-based release packages. Gerber workflows often distribute manufacturing intent across multiple file types, readme files, and drawings, while ODB++Design aims to centralize more of that information in one coherent structure.

Is ODB++Design a Standard?

ODB++Design is commonly referred to as a de facto industry standard rather than a formal international standard. It has been widely used in PCB manufacturing workflows for many years and is supported by a broad range of software tools.

Is ODB++Design an Open Format?

The specification is publicly available to download, which makes the format accessible for evaluation and implementation. However, stewardship of the format remains with Siemens rather than with an independent standards organization.
ODB++ is a proprietary format controlled Siemens, and so, like all proprietary standards, it comes with the risk of vendor lock-in.

GerbView

GerbView can open and analyze ODB++Design files, allowing users to inspect PCB manufacturing data without requiring the original CAD system. In addition to viewing layer structures, drill data, and component information, GerbView also supports conversion of ODB++Design datasets into other formats such as Gerber, DXF, and PDF, making it easier to integrate ODB++ data into existing manufacturing or documentation workflows.

Learn more about GerbView