This dialog allows you to confirm the format of a Gerber file prior to it being imported. A number of Gerber files can be imported at the same time, to rebuild a complete design.
A Gerber file consists of line draws and shape flashes usually of specified sizes. If may also contain filled shapes. There is no electrical, connectivity, text or other information in the file. Typically for our purposes, flashes represent pads, and line draws represent tracks. The size and shape of these flashes and draws are defined by the apertures which are usually defined at the head of the Gerber file. The reader will recognise most valid Gerber formatting, including macros and parameterised macros. You must decide which layer the flashes and draws are placed on. The program will attempt to rebuild the draws into shapes, and for tracks will create nets joining the pads. At this stage, all pads will be free pads which can subsequently be converted to Component Pads and Vias.
Import ‘Flashed’ (Pads) Items
Specify if flashes are to be imported from this file, and which layer they should be placed on (usually [All] for through hole and [Top] or [Bottom] for surface mount).
Import ‘Drawn’ (Line) Items
Specify if draws are to be imported from this file, and which layer they should be placed on (an electrical layer for tracks or copper, a silkscreen layer for documentation shapes, no layer for a Board Outline). If you specify tracks, then filled shapes will still be imported as copper (as they cannot be tracks).
Offset
This is usually best left at (0,0), but you can specify an offset in your chosen units. Care must be taken to ensure all imported files are offset so that they are aligned correctly.
Format
Specify the format of the Gerber, the importer will have already taken a guess at the format which if often specified in the header of the file. If you are unsure, take the default, or consult the source of the files.
Gerber X2 Format
If the Gerber file contains X2 format commands (AperFunction, FileFunction or Part), an additional message will be displayed on the dialog to inform you that these commands have been detected but will not currently be processed. For more information about Gerber X2 import restrictions click here
Intelligent Gerber Import Option
Intelligent Gerber Import Dialog | NC Drill Import | Bill of Materials (BOM) Import | Pick & Place files
Related Topics
Intelligent Gerber Import | Generate Component | Free Pad to Via | PCB to SCM Reverse Engineer