Gerber is normally a set, not one board file
A fabrication release usually contains several Gerber layers plus plated and non-plated drill data. Package the related files together so layer roles and board context can be interpreted as a group.
Gerber and Excellon Drill viewer
Review the complete Gerber and Drill package as one PCB.
PCBAtlas imports recognized manufacturing folders or archives that keep Gerber artwork and Excellon Drill data together. Inspect related layers in one local workspace, preserve revision history, and avoid reducing a fabrication package to disconnected single-file previews.
Bring the whole fabrication package whenever possible so copper, mask, silkscreen, outline, and drill context can be recognized together.
Inspect before a supplier conversation
Pan and zoom the board, control visible content, search supported objects, and inspect selection details before discussing a release with a fabricator or teammate.
Keep fabrication revisions connected
Append an updated manufacturing package to the same workspace instead of leaving similarly named ZIP files scattered across email, chat, and local folders.
Review boundary
PCBAtlas is not a full CAM editor or a formal DFM sign-off system. Use it to inspect and communicate about the package, then complete fabrication validation in the appropriate engineering workflow.
Gerber / Drill
File and review profile
- Source package
- recognized Gerber and Excellon Drill manufacturing folders or archives
- Review surfaces
- copper, mask, silkscreen, outline, drill context, board objects, and revisions
- Scope boundary
- Review and delivery workflow, not CAM artwork editing or formal DFM sign-off.
PCBAtlas
What belongs in a useful Gerber review package
A complete fabrication view depends on keeping related artwork and drill files together.
| Source | How PCBAtlas handles it | What you can review |
|---|---|---|
| Copper artwork | Keep top, bottom, and inner-layer files in the same package | Layer visibility and the related board artwork in context |
| Solder mask / silkscreen | Preserve original filenames and package structure | Mask openings, markings, and their alignment with the board |
| Board outline | Include the recognized profile or outline artwork | Board boundary together with the fabrication layers |
| Excellon Drill | Keep plated and non-plated drill files with the artwork | Drill context alongside copper and board geometry |
Gerber and Excellon Drill viewer
Prepare a Gerber package for review
Preserve the relationship between artwork and drill files before import.
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Place the related copper, mask, silkscreen, outline, and drill files in one folder or archive.
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Keep original filenames and package structure instead of renaming every layer generically.
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Import the recognized folder or archive into PCBAtlas as manufacturing data.
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Review the combined board session and append later fabrication outputs as revisions.
PCBAtlas
Continue with a related workflow
Compare the same format on another platform or move to an adjacent design or manufacturing-data guide.
PCBAtlas
FAQ
The fastest way to reduce confusion is to say the boundaries and paid unlocks plainly.
Can PCBAtlas open a Gerber ZIP?
PCBAtlas supports recognized manufacturing archives and directories. Keep related Gerber and Excellon Drill files together so the package can be identified as a PCB fabrication dataset.
Does it support Excellon Drill data?
Yes when the drill data is part of a recognized Gerber/Drill manufacturing package.
Can PCBAtlas edit Gerber artwork?
No. PCBAtlas focuses on viewing, inspection, revisions, and delivery rather than CAM artwork editing.
Is the Gerber viewer online?
The core PCBAtlas viewer path is local-first and does not require uploading the package to a browser service for normal review.