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Gerber2Png

By Saheen Palayi | 10 March 2025 | SuperFablab kerala

Overview

Gerber2Png is a JavaScript-based React application that runs directly in your browser. It allows users to load Gerber files from various EDA software (such as KiCad, Eagle, Fusion 360, Proteus, EasyEDA, Altium, etc.) and convert them into black-and-white PNG files. These PNG files include traces, drills, and board outlines, making them suitable for PCB milling operations in Mods.

This tool simplifies the process of generating milling-ready images for both single-sided and double-sided PCBs. It is hosted at Gerber2PNG and built using modern JavaScript libraries with a React-based UI.

Why Gerber2Png

At our FabLab in Kochi, Kerala, we frequently receive Gerber file exports from various EDA software, submitted by makers and startup clients. Since our PCB milling process relies on Mods software, we require all these files in PNG format. However, manually converting these files into the required format was a tedious and time-consuming task.

To streamline this process, we initiated the development of Gerber2PNG, a web-based tool that can convert Gerber files from any EDA software into monochrome PNG files, ready for milling. Now, this tool supports most of the popular EDA software, including KiCad, Fusion 360, Altium, EasyEDA, Eagle, Proteus, and more, making it a convenient solution for our fabrication needs.

Features

  • Convert KiCad Gerber files to PNG format
  • Support for single-sided PCBs
  • Support for double-sided PCBs
  • User-friendly React-based interface

Usage

To use the tool, you need to provide Gerber files exported from your EDA software.

Gerber2PNG supports both single-layer and double-layer PCBs, generating compatible PNG outputs for CNC milling using Fab Mods. The steps are given below:

Single Side PCB

To generate a PNG for a single-sided PCB, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Gerber2PNG
  2. Click Chose Files or Drag and drop all the gerber layers (should be unzip)
  3. Select Generate All option under Custom menu drop dow list
  4. Click Generate PNG button to generate the all the PNG files
  5. Download the output files by clicking in the DOWNLAD ZIP button top right

2025-03-08_23-19-00

The generated files are shown bellow

Operation png files
Top Traces alt text
Top Drills alt text
Board Outline alt text

Double Side PCB

For a double-sided PCB, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Gerber2PNG
  2. Click Chose Files or Drag and drop all the gerber layers (should be unzip)
  3. Toggle the Double-Side option
  4. Select Generate All option under Custom menu drop dow list
  5. Click Generate PNG button to generate the all the PNG files
  6. Download the output files by clicking in the DOWNLAD ZIP button top right

2025-03-08_23-20-47

See the generated output files bellow

Operation png files
Top Traces alt text
Top Drills alt text
Alignment cut alt text
Bottom traces alt text
Board Outline alt text

flipping the PCB while milling

flip-PCB

The double layer PCB's PNG generation works with non rectangle PCB's like circle or tother shapes, Gerber2Png will add a box arround the shape with the offset alignment cut, see the example of Fabacademy 2024 - Rayan's Electronics Design week assignment cutting his double sided eagle PCB

double-side-example

Troubleshooting

  • Output PNG is blank: Ensure your Gerber files are correctly exported from KiCad.
  • File upload error: Check the file format and size limitations.
  • Incorrect alignment for double-sided PCB: Verify that the top and bottom layers are correctly aligned before conversion.

Credits

**~ Super FabLab Kerala**

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.

Contact

For support, reach out via email: midlaj4n@gmail.com

Reference links