Gerber Editor? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tec5c
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2016, 05:12:19 am
content: Is there any software that allows you to edit a gerber file directly? I have a design that I would like to adjust though I don't have the original design file.The gerber file contains multiple designs utilised for the panel layout. I simply want to delete some of these designs.

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2016, 08:13:44 am
content: The only ones I know of seem to be quite expensive. I wish I knew of one that was reasonably priced and reasonably featured. Nothing super fancy.

author: tec5c
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2016, 08:51:07 am
content: Would you mind listing the names of the ones that you know?

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2016, 09:17:51 am
content: Look athttp://www.softwarecompanions.com/gerbview.htmlModest price with a 30 day trial I think.Also GerbV from gEDA is able to do simple editing.

author: PChi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2016, 12:00:46 pm
content: I have used GC-Prevue for viewing Gerber Files and they offer GC-PrevuePlushttp://www.graphicode.com/GC-PrevuePluson free trial. I don't how long the trial lasts for and I expect that if you sign up they will send Spam to encourage you to buy it.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2016, 01:01:50 pm
content: Then simply update the readme file to the fabricator, and maybe create a new layer that puts a big X over the designs you don't like anymore. Then tell them to maximize material usage by duplicating remaining designs.They'll be able to do it far better and faster than you, and they'll have to do that anyway.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2016, 02:05:16 pm
content: I have Graphicode Powerstation.. a Gerber editor.Post your gerbers and instructions and I shall edit them.

author: tec5c
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2016, 02:08:52 pm
content: Thanks for the replies.I managed to get some time on a PC that had Allegro PCB Editor and I was able to do what I needed.

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2016, 05:55:49 pm
content: Quote from: IconicPCB on August 28, 2016, 02:05:16 pmThat is very kind! Is that software what you use to layout panels?

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2016, 12:09:51 pm
content: Graphicode Powerstation is a general CAM application capable of editing Gerber data.It will import and export various industry standard formats (DXF DWG Bitmap and other formats as used by various photo plotters, bare board testers drill and rout machines Excellon2 , Sieb Myer etc).I use it to process Gerber data , extract toolpath information required to mill the boards and then export CNC files containing drilling, milling and laser soldermask and component legend imaging files.I also run a flying probe tester to test finished product. The application generates the test files and also acts as a graphical repair station.This setup allows me to make a double sided brass board within typically five to eight hours from receipt of gerbers and drill file.A bit longer to apply soldermask and component overlay.Presently planing to build a Fiber laser stencil cutting set up. I do mill stencils out of 0.2mm double sided FR4 but it is too thick for 0402 work and just usable on 0603 cubic components.In essence a prototype assembly is possible during a 24 time frame ( depending on overall design complexity and diversity )>

author: Mattylad
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2016, 06:21:21 pm
content: I use CAM350 and am currently modifying a boards Gerbers because the original board CAD file is no longer available.As above, the software is not cheap so is out of the hobbyists market..When I used GC-Prevue in the past I have been able to easily add stuff into Gerber layers by importing single pads and tracks in, offsetting them etc.Duplicate layers and adjust the aperture list it uses etc. A fudge but has saved my bacon a few times.Then I used GC-CAM and GC_Place which were predecessors of the GC_Powerstation series.

author: bpiphany
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2016, 05:42:16 pm
content: Gerbv can at least delete items from gerber files, by click to select or dragging rectangles.Some simpler tasks can be scripted quite easily as well. The gerber format is very simple albeit not very human readable..

author: mash107
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2016, 05:27:06 pm
content: Quote from: tec5c on August 26, 2016, 05:12:19 amViewmate Deluxe, while not free, is only $47.50 after coupon "VMD50OFF"Viewmate has the best UI in my opinionhttps://www.pentalogix.com/download_software.php

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2016, 05:52:48 pm
content: Quote from: mash107 on December 10, 2016, 05:27:06 pmThat looks like a great option for the money. I only rarely need to edit Gerbers, but when I do, it is worth $50 for sure - mainly putting multiple designs on a panel for prototypes. Nice tip. I may do the trial.

author: Yellofriend
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2018, 02:28:16 am
content: Is there any update on Gerber editors? I might give that discounted Viewmate Deluxe a try. I bit sad that it can be only installed on a single PC, I work with 2

author: pcbguy1927
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2018, 04:46:44 pm
content: Found this. I have not tried but it says it can edit and is free.http://www.viewplot.com/

author: tycz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2018, 04:21:41 am
content: Quote from: pcbguy1927 on March 16, 2018, 04:46:44 pmThe viewer is free. If you want to edit you have to buy it.