What is a good free PCB software that generates Gerber files?

Picbuster

Joined Dec 2, 2013
1,059
Absolute most of software is able to. However if only You are not tended to work with 12 llayer pcb in the size of 20x20 inches, the Eagle is too heavy for Your needs.
Contrary KiCAD I disliked because it demanded to learn everything by the new, (what is very common problem in Linux based softwares, take it for example the so beautiful photoshop soft as GIMP, where, if any has previous experience with any Photoshop (Adobe, Arcsoft or other) he have a permanent headache. So, the rest of most popular is FreePCB and SprintLayer. Both are roughly equal, only last exist cracked while first exist "officially" free. Thus its good benefit. But first has bit difficulcy of flood in the gnd anywhere by Flood-In method, while second have it very simple. Both have easy working with self made footprint samples - I count it VERY big advance as well the working in full "by hand only" drawing regime. For high frequency no-one automate including the quantum computer will not plan the distances and angles better than experienced hand. And for our poorly glued pcs old-timers (but there are still kubikmeters of this blessing around) we cannot expect the 0,2mm patches will be stable enough, so I need to widden it under the IC and draw it longer, let the part of patch be not covered by solder metal. So, if it be my will I had started to use a first but then realized no-one in my surrounding aren't capable to understand me, I reverted to second let be synced with them. And as far as You use to use 2-3 layers and sizes under A5 it is just what one may want.
Kicad is also available for windows (free)
a full lib with footprints and layouts are for free available high number of layers are supported.
extreme easy to use.

Picbuster
 

sc0tch

Joined Nov 6, 2018
64
I like to use Altium or CircuitMaker. Easy gerber exports, simple learning curve plus it's free.

However; every PCB software supports GERBER as every PCB fabrication company uses gerber...(they may also accept eagle or .pcb files but gerber is always prefered). I'm assuming with this question needing to be asked you should really avoid heavy applications like Eagle that have much steeper learning curves.
 

Thread Starter

nornandxor

Joined Dec 11, 2017
148
PCB stands for Printed Circuit Board which is used in the pcb industry to connect electronic components.

PCB designing software is classified as:
  1. Basic software (free and web-based/ available offline): These are free software that is available either offline (application has to be downloaded) or online (software is web based ).

  2. Professional software (paid version): These software are paid versions, but they have highly skilled applications.
Some good PCB software that generate gerber files are :
  • KiCAD: This is a free and offline software with a huge library. The features offered by KiCAD are 3D layout of PCB, Gerber file, Bill of Material, etc. There are tutorials and videos available for new users to help them out. The 3D layout can be used to check the design of the PCB in 3D giving a realistic experience of the board made by the user

  • EAGLE: This is another free and offline software available that is supported on all user platforms. It has a massive library of electronic components and has a very simple and easy interface. Its PCB editor has great tools such as alignment tools, routing engine, etc. There is also a professional version available that is payable with services such as technical support, online chat support, call, mail, access to newly released versions of the software, etc
I like to use Altium or CircuitMaker. Easy gerber exports, simple learning curve plus it's free.

However; every PCB software supports GERBER as every PCB fabrication company uses gerber...(they may also accept eagle or .pcb files but gerber is always prefered). I'm assuming with this question needing to be asked you should really avoid heavy applications like Eagle that have much steeper learning curves.
I shifted from PCB Layout to KiCad since I posted this thread, though KiCad is not fun AT ALL!! Especially when it comes to dealing with how to manage symbols, footprints and libraries, it is not easy thing! But it does what I'm looking for, so I guess I will have to cope with it or PAY for whats better!
 

MMcLaren

Joined Feb 14, 2010
861
Which version of Diptrace do you have? I have the standard freeware (not for commercial use), and I can export Gerbers without any problem up to the limit of 300 pins and two layers. The problem here may be a slight misunderstanding of PCB design. What files can you currently export? Just DipTrace ASCII, DXF, etc.?
I've got the 'free' version of DipTrace, too, and I just used it recently to generate the Gerber files for the PCB pictured below.

Good luck on your project...

Cheerful regards, Mike, K8LH

1802 4-chip #3.jpg
 
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spinnaker

Joined Oct 29, 2009
7,830
I second what @MaxHeadRoom said, KiCad is by far the most advanced free (open source, so no strings attached) PCB design software avalavailable. Compared to Diptrace, expect an absolute headache until you have got into the swing of using it, as it's much less intuitive. I also highly recommend building your own parts libraries, as I had a couple of issues with some I downloaded (could have been an odd incident).

Last but not least, are you aware that Diptrace can also export Gerber files? This link may help https://www.pcbway.com/blog/PCB_Layout_Software/How_to_generate_Gerber_files_from_DipTrace.html

On the other hand Diptace can be used right out of the box. I have tried them all and the one one that is intuitive is Diptrace.
 
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