How to inspect GBR, GERBER, EXCELLON, ZIP files
Gerber and Excellon are common PCB manufacturing outputs. This upgrades the existing viewer with layer and ZIP handling, but it is not a board-house CAM review.
- Drop individual Gerber/drill files or a fabrication ZIP.
- Confirm the detected top, bottom, mask, silkscreen, outline, and drill roles.
- Toggle layers and board side to inspect alignment and holes.
- Record issues and re-export from PCB CAD instead of editing production files.
What this tool helps with
- Common Gerber and Excellon support
- Layer overlays reveal missing or shifted outputs
- The file is parsed inside this browser tab and is not uploaded to FreeTool to use the tool.
Compatibility and limitations
- Filename-based layer detection can be wrong and must be reviewed
- Complex aperture macros, step-repeat, and vendor dialects may be incomplete
- No replacement for DRC, netlist comparison, or fabrication CAM review
Frequently asked questions
Can it open a board-house ZIP?
It can try common Gerber ZIP naming; confirm every detected layer role before relying on the preview.
Why are drill holes shifted?
Confirm Gerber and drill outputs use the same origin, units, and coordinate format.
Can I order boards from this preview?
Do not rely on it alone. Run CAD DRC and the fabricator's CAM preflight.