1. Gerbv
Gerbv is a popular open-source Gerber Viewer that supports a wide range of Gerber file formats, including RS-274X and Excellon drill files. It offers a user-friendly interface and supports multiple layers, making it easy to inspect and verify your PCB designs.
Key features:
– Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux)
– Supports multiple Gerber file formats
– Customizable color schemes and display options
– Measuring and zooming tools
2. KiCad GerbView
KiCad is a well-known open-source EDA (Electronic Design Automation) software suite that includes a powerful Gerber viewer called GerbView. It integrates seamlessly with the other tools in the KiCad suite, making it an ideal choice for PCB designers already using KiCad.
Key features:
– Integrated with the KiCad EDA suite
– Supports multiple Gerber file formats
– Layer visibility control
– Measuring and zooming tools
3. ViewMate
ViewMate is a free, lightweight Gerber viewer that supports a variety of Gerber file formats. It offers a simple, intuitive interface and includes basic measuring and inspection tools, making it a good choice for quick design checks.
Key features:
– Supports multiple Gerber file formats
– Simple and intuitive interface
– Basic measuring tools
– Lightweight and fast
4. Gerber Viewer Online
Gerber Viewer Online is a web-based Gerber viewer that allows you to inspect your PCB designs directly in your browser without installing any software. It supports a wide range of Gerber file formats and offers a user-friendly interface with basic measuring tools.
Key features:
– Web-based, no installation required
– Supports multiple Gerber file formats
– User-friendly interface
– Basic measuring tools
5. CircuitPeople
CircuitPeople is another web-based Gerber viewer that offers a simple, intuitive interface for inspecting your PCB designs. It supports various Gerber file formats and includes basic measuring and layer visibility control tools.
Key features:
– Web-based, no installation required
– Supports multiple Gerber file formats
– Basic measuring tools
– Layer visibility control
6. ZofzPCB
ZofzPCB is a free, standalone Gerber viewer for Windows that supports a wide range of Gerber file formats. It offers a user-friendly interface with basic measuring and inspection tools, as well as the ability to export images of your PCB designs.
Key features:
– Supports multiple Gerber file formats
– User-friendly interface
– Basic measuring and inspection tools
– Export images of PCB designs
7. FAB 3000
FAB 3000 is a free Gerber viewer developed by Numerical Innovations, a company specializing in PCB design software. It supports various Gerber file formats and offers a simple, intuitive interface with basic measuring and layer visibility control tools.
Key features:
– Supports multiple Gerber file formats
– Simple and intuitive interface
– Basic measuring tools
– Layer visibility control
8. Pentalogix ViewMate
Pentalogix ViewMate is a powerful, free Gerber viewer that supports a wide range of Gerber file formats, including ODB++. It offers advanced features such as design rule checking (DRC), layer comparison, and custom aperture editing, making it a great choice for more advanced PCB design needs.
Key features:
– Supports multiple Gerber file formats, including ODB++
– Advanced features like DRC and layer comparison
– Custom aperture editing
– Measuring and zooming tools
9. NeXtGen CAM View
NeXtGen CAM View is a free Gerber viewer developed by Artwork Conversion Software, Inc. It supports various Gerber file formats and offers a user-friendly interface with basic measuring and layer visibility control tools. The software also includes a 3D viewer for visualizing your PCB designs in three dimensions.
Key features:
– Supports multiple Gerber file formats
– User-friendly interface
– Basic measuring and layer visibility control tools
– 3D viewer for visualizing PCB designs
10. GC-Prevue
GC-Prevue is a free, standalone Gerber viewer for Windows developed by GraphiCode. It supports a wide range of Gerber file formats and offers a simple, intuitive interface with basic measuring and layer visibility control tools.
Key features:
– Supports multiple Gerber file formats
– Simple and intuitive interface
– Basic measuring and layer visibility control tools
– Export images of PCB designs
11. Ucamco UcamX Gerber Viewer
Ucamco, the company behind the Gerber file format, offers a free Gerber viewer called UcamX Gerber Viewer. It supports the latest Gerber file formats and includes advanced features such as design rule checking (DRC) and layer comparison.
Key features:
– Developed by the company behind the Gerber file format
– Supports the latest Gerber file formats
– Advanced features like DRC and layer comparison
– Measuring and zooming tools
12. SiSoft Gerber Viewer
SiSoft Gerber Viewer is a free, standalone Gerber viewer that supports a variety of Gerber file formats. It offers a simple, user-friendly interface with basic measuring and layer visibility control tools, as well as the ability to export images of your PCB designs.
Key features:
– Supports multiple Gerber file formats
– Simple and user-friendly interface
– Basic measuring and layer visibility control tools
– Export images of PCB designs
13. ZiggZagg PCB Gerber Viewer
ZiggZagg PCB Gerber Viewer is a web-based Gerber viewer that allows you to inspect your PCB designs directly in your browser. It supports a wide range of Gerber file formats and offers a user-friendly interface with basic measuring and layer visibility control tools.
Key features:
– Web-based, no installation required
– Supports multiple Gerber file formats
– User-friendly interface
– Basic measuring and layer visibility control tools
Comparison Table
| Gerber Viewer | Platform | Gerber Formats | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gerbv | Cross-platform | RS-274X, Excellon | Customizable display, measuring tools |
| KiCad GerbView | Cross-platform | RS-274X, Excellon | Integration with KiCad, layer visibility control |
| ViewMate | Windows | RS-274X, Excellon | Simple interface, basic measuring tools |
| Gerber Viewer Online | Web-based | RS-274X, Excellon | No installation, basic measuring tools |
| CircuitPeople | Web-based | RS-274X, Excellon | Simple interface, layer visibility control |
| ZofzPCB | Windows | RS-274X, Excellon | User-friendly interface, export images |
| FAB 3000 | Windows | RS-274X, Excellon | Simple interface, layer visibility control |
| Pentalogix ViewMate | Windows | RS-274X, Excellon, ODB++ | DRC, layer comparison, custom aperture editing |
| NeXtGen CAM View | Windows | RS-274X, Excellon | 3D viewer, basic measuring tools |
| GC-Prevue | Windows | RS-274X, Excellon | Simple interface, export images |
| Ucamco UcamX Gerber Viewer | Windows | Latest Gerber formats | DRC, layer comparison, developed by Ucamco |
| SiSoft Gerber Viewer | Windows | RS-274X, Excellon | Simple interface, export images |
| ZiggZagg PCB Gerber Viewer | Web-based | RS-274X, Excellon | No installation, basic measuring tools |
FAQ
1. What is a Gerber file?
A Gerber file is a standard file format used in the PCB industry to describe the layout of a printed circuit board. It contains information about the copper layers, solder mask, silk screen, and drill holes required to manufacture a PCB.
2. Why do I need a Gerber viewer?
A Gerber viewer allows you to inspect and verify your PCB designs before sending them off for manufacturing. By using a Gerber viewer, you can ensure that your design is accurate and free of errors, potentially saving time and money in the manufacturing process.
3. Are all Gerber viewers free?
While there are many free Gerber viewers available, some advanced software options may require a paid license. The Gerber viewers listed in this article are all free to use, offering a range of features suitable for most PCB design needs.
4. Can I use a Gerber viewer to edit my PCB designs?
Most Gerber viewers are designed for viewing and inspecting PCB designs rather than editing them. To make changes to your PCB design, you’ll typically need to use a dedicated PCB design software package.
5. Which Gerber viewer is the best choice for my needs?
The best Gerber viewer for your needs will depend on factors such as your operating system, the complexity of your PCB designs, and the specific features you require. Consider the options presented in this article and choose the viewer that best aligns with your requirements and workflow.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Gerber viewer is an important step in the PCB design process, ensuring that your designs are accurate and ready for manufacturing. This article has presented 13 of the best free Gerber viewer software options available, each with its own set of features and benefits. By considering your specific needs and workflow, you can select the Gerber viewer that will help you streamline your PCB design process and achieve the best possible results.
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