<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation:  AutoTRAX PCB Design Express (DEX) > Getting Started > What all Gerber files?

Gerber files are a set of industry-standard file formats used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards (PCBs). They are used to communicate the design specifications for a PCB to a PCB manufacturer or fabricator.

Gerber files typically include several different files, each of which contains different information about the PCB design. These files include:

1.Top layer (or top copper) file: This file contains the pattern for the top layer of copper on the PCB.

2.Bottom layer (or bottom copper) file: This file contains the pattern for the bottom layer of copper on the PCB.

3.Silkscreen top file: This file contains the markings and labels for the top layer of the PCB.

4.Silkscreen bottom file: This file contains the markings and labels for the bottom layer of the PCB.

5.Solder mask top file: This file contains the pattern for the solder mask layer on the top side of the PCB.

6.Solder mask bottom file: This file contains the pattern for the solder mask layer on the bottom side of the PCB.

7.Drill file: This file contains the location and size information for all of the holes drilled into the PCB.

Gerber files are typically created using specialized PCB design software, and are then used by the PCB manufacturer to produce the physical PCB. The manufacturer uses the Gerber files to create the copper layers, silkscreen markings, and solder mask layers on the PCB, as well as to drill the necessary holes.

In summary, Gerber files are a set of industry-standard file formats used to communicate the design specifications for a printed circuit board to a manufacturer. They typically include files for the copper layers, silkscreen markings, solder mask layers, and drill holes.