What Files Do You Need Before Ordering a PCB?
Before ordering a PCB, having the right manufacturing files is just as important as having a completed circuit design. Missing or incorrect files can lead to production delays, quotation revisions, or boards that don't match your intended design.
While Gerber files are the primary files needed for PCB manufacturing, additional files such as drill files, board outlines, and assembly documents may also be required depending on your project. In this guide, we'll explain what files you need before ordering a PCB and why each one plays an important role in the manufacturing process.
Why PCB Manufacturing Files Matter
PCB manufacturing is based entirely on the design files you provide. These files tell the manufacturer how to build your board, where to drill holes, how to route copper traces, and, in some cases, where to place electronic components.
Preparing complete PCB manufacturing files helps:
- Reduce production delays
- Improve manufacturing accuracy
- Minimize design revisions
- Speed up quotation and order processing
- Ensure the finished PCB matches your design
Taking a few minutes to review your files before placing an order can help avoid unnecessary back-and-forth during production.
Gerber Files: The Most Important PCB Manufacturing File
Gerber files are the most essential PCB manufacturing files used in every PCB fabrication service to produce a printed circuit board accurately.
A standard Gerber package typically includes:
- Top copper layer
- Bottom copper layer
- Top solder mask
- Bottom solder mask
- Top silkscreen
- Bottom silkscreen
- Board outline
Each file represents a specific layer of your PCB design. Together, they allow the manufacturer to accurately produce the board according to your specifications.
Quick Tip
Always export Gerber files from the latest version of your PCB design. Before uploading, review them using a Gerber viewer to confirm that all required layers are present and correctly aligned.
Drill Files (NC Drill Files)
In addition to Gerber files, manufacturers also require drill files, often referred to as NC Drill files.
These files define:
- Hole locations
- Hole sizes
- Via positions
- Through-hole component holes
Without drill files, the manufacturer cannot accurately drill mounting holes, vias, or through-hole component locations.
Most PCB design software automatically generates NC Drill files during the Gerber export process, but it's always worth confirming that they're included before submitting your order.
Board Outline File
The board outline defines the physical shape and dimensions of your PCB. Selecting the correct PCB layer configuration is equally important because it affects routing, board thickness, and manufacturability.
It tells the manufacturer:
- Overall board size
- Board profile
- Internal cutouts
- Slots
- Routing paths
Although some PCB design software includes the board outline within the Gerber files, it's important to verify that the outline layer has been exported correctly.
An incorrect or missing board outline can delay manufacturing because the production team may need clarification before fabrication begins.
Bill of Materials (BOM): When Is It Required?
A Bill of Materials (BOM) lists every electronic component required to assemble the PCB.
A typical BOM includes:
- Component reference designators
- Component values
- Manufacturer part numbers
- Quantities
- Package types
The BOM is primarily required for PCB assembly services. If you're unsure how fabrication differs from assembly, understanding PCB fabrication vs PCB assembly can help you prepare the correct manufacturing files.
If you're ordering only a bare PCB for prototype testing or in-house assembly, a BOM is generally not required.
However, if your project includes component sourcing and PCB assembly, providing a complete BOM helps ensure the correct parts are ordered and installed.
Pick and Place File (Centroid File)
If your PCB requires assembly, you'll also need a Pick-and-Place file, sometimes called a Centroid file.
This file provides automated assembly machines with information about where each component should be placed on the board.
It typically includes:
- Component coordinates
- Rotation angle
- Placement side
- Reference designators
Together with the BOM, the Pick and Place file helps streamline the PCB assembly process and reduces the risk of placement errors.
For fabrication-only projects, this file is usually not necessary.
Additional Files That May Be Helpful
Depending on your project, manufacturers may also request supporting documentation to clarify design requirements.
Useful additional files include:
Assembly Drawings
These show how components should be installed on the PCB and can help during manual inspection or assembly.
Fabrication Notes
Special manufacturing instructions, material preferences, or tolerance requirements can be included as fabrication notes.
PCB Stack-up Information
For multilayer boards, stack-up information specifies the arrangement of copper and dielectric layers.
Readme or Project Notes
If your project has unique requirements or special instructions, including a short document can help avoid misunderstandings during manufacturing.
Although these files are not required for every project, they can simplify communication and improve production accuracy.
Checklist Before Uploading PCB Files
Before placing your PCB order, it's worth completing a final review of your manufacturing package, especially when using a PCB prototype service in India for faster turnaround and accurate production.
Use this checklist:
- Confirm you're using the latest Gerber files.
- Verify that NC Drill files are included.
- Check that the board outline is correct.
- Run a Design Rule Check (DRC).
- Review file names and layer assignments.
- Compress all manufacturing files into a ZIP archive before uploading.
Following this checklist helps ensure your PCB manufacturing files are complete and ready for production.
How WHYPCB Simplifies PCB Ordering Online
WHYPCB makes it easy to order PCB online in India by providing a straightforward file submission process and dedicated support throughout manufacturing.
With WHYPCB, you can:
- Upload Gerber files online
- Request PCB quotations
- Order PCB prototypes and production boards
- Receive technical support during the ordering process
- Get GST-compliant invoices
- Receive PCBs delivered across India
Whether you're working on a single prototype or a production project, our goal is to make PCB procurement simple and reliable.
Conclusion
Preparing the correct files before ordering a PCB is one of the easiest ways to ensure a smooth manufacturing process. While Gerber files form the foundation of every PCB order, supporting files such as drill files, board outlines, and assembly documents may also be required depending on your project's needs.
By reviewing your files carefully before submission, you can reduce production delays, improve communication with the manufacturer, and increase the chances of receiving boards that match your design the first time.
If you're looking to order PCB online in India, WHYPCB offers reliable PCB prototype manufacturing and custom PCB manufacturing services with transparent pricing, dedicated support, and an easy-to-use online ordering process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gerber files enough for PCB manufacturing?
For PCB fabrication, Gerber files and drill files are usually sufficient. However, if your project includes PCB assembly, you'll also need files such as a Bill of Materials (BOM) and a Pick and Place file.
What is included in a Gerber file?
Gerber files typically include the copper layers, solder mask, silkscreen, and board outline needed to manufacture a printed circuit board.
Do I need a BOM for PCB fabrication?
No. A BOM is generally required only when PCB assembly is part of the project. Bare PCB fabrication usually requires Gerber files and drill files.
What is a Pick and Place file?
A Pick and Place file contains component placement information, including coordinates and orientation, allowing automated machines to accurately assemble electronic components onto the PCB.
Can I order a PCB without assembly files?
Yes. If you're ordering only a fabricated PCB without assembly, assembly files such as the BOM and Pick and Place file are typically not required.
How should I send PCB manufacturing files?
Most PCB manufacturers recommend compressing all required files into a single ZIP archive before uploading. This helps ensure that all manufacturing data is included and organized.
Key Takeaways
- Gerber files are the primary files needed for PCB manufacturing.
- NC Drill files define hole sizes and drilling locations.
- Board outline files determine the physical dimensions of the PCB.
- BOM and Pick and Place files are required mainly for PCB assembly.
- Reviewing your PCB manufacturing files before ordering helps reduce delays and improve manufacturing accuracy.