PCB Gerber File is generated from the PCB design, an open format defining the PCB manufacturing details.
A Gerber viewer is a software application that can view and inspect Gerber files. Gerber files are a standard format for storing PCB design data, and PCB manufacturers use them to produce PCBs.
Gerber viewers can view all of the layers of a PCB design, including the copper layers, solder mask layers, and silkscreen layers. They can also measure distances, check for errors, and generate reports.
After generating the Gerber of the PCB design, it is recommended to check the Gerber files using a stand-alone Gerber viewer to see any issues in the Gerber files.
But, the question is which tool to use.
Various Gerber tools available in the market are listed below (I have used GC Preview or Gerb Tool in the past)
| Standalone Tools | Approx Cost? |
| Graphicode GC preview | 50$ 400$ 700$ PA |
| Gerbtool | ~ 250$ |
| Viewmate | Free 95$ 495$ |
| MCCAD Gerberviewer | Free |
| Gerber Logix | 107 Euro |
| DFM NOW | Free / Paid |
| ViewPlot | Free |
| Downstream Technologies | Free |
| Free Gerber Viewer on Cloud | |
| HQDFM Free Online Gerber Viewer (NextPCB) – it can do DFM check also | |
| Online Gerber Viewer | |
| EasyEDA | |
| PCBWay | |
| PCBgogo | |
| UCAMCO | |
| Paragon Robotics | |
| Gerblook | |
| CircuitPeople | |
| TraceView |
I am currently working as an embedded systems design consultant and helping companies build custom embedded products, develop test automation solution for their PCB or complete product.
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