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
Single Side PCB
To generate a PNG for a single-sided PCB, follow these steps:
- Go to Gerber2PNG
- Upload your Gerber file
- Select Single-Sided option
- Click Convert to generate the PNG
- Download the output file
Double Side PCB
For a double-sided PCB, follow these steps:
- Go to Gerber2PNG
- Upload your Gerber files
- Select Double-Sided option
- Click Convert to generate PNGs for both layers
- Download the output files
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.
Contributing
If you’d like to contribute to Gerber2PNG, feel free to submit feedback or feature requests via the website or open an issue on GitHub.
Credits
- Organization: Super FabLab Kerala
- Guided by: Jogin Francis
- Developer: Midlaj
- Testing & Feedback: Saheen Palayi
License
This project is licensed under the MIT License.
Contact
For support, reach out via email: midlaj4n@gmail.com