Getting Started

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This guide walks you through installing Gerbtrace and preparing your first PCB project for production.

Installation

Web

Visit gerbtrace.com – no installation required. Gerber processing runs in your browser. Personal projects are stored on this device; team projects synchronize files and settings with Supabase. Sign in before creating a project.

macOS

1. Download the latest .dmg from GitHub Releases.
2. Open the .dmg and drag Gerbtrace to your Applications folder.
3. Launch from Applications.

Windows

1. Download the latest .msi or .exe installer from GitHub Releases.
2. Run the installer.
3. Launch Gerbtrace from the Start menu.

The Desktop App checks for updates automatically on launch.

Create a project

Sign in and open the dashboard, then create a project:

• New Viewer – for inspecting a single Gerber package
• New Compare – for comparing two Gerber packages side by side

Name the project based on the assembly or order reference. For team projects, you can assign the project to a Space to scope it to a particular customer or product line. You can also click Try a Sample to explore with the built-in Arduino UNO demo files.

Import data

Use the Files tab to import your data. Drag and drop files or use the import button. Gerbtrace accepts:

• Gerber + Drill files (ZIP or individual)
• Pick and Place files (CSV/TSV)
• BOM files (CSV/Excel)
• PDF documents (schematics, drawings, datasheets)

See Importing Files for details on auto-detection and field mapping.

Confirm file classification

After import, verify the auto-detected layer types in the Files tab:

• Copper layers (top, bottom, inner)
• Solder mask (top, bottom)
• Silkscreen (top, bottom)
• Solder paste (top, bottom)
• Drill files
• Board outline / keep-out

Fix any misclassified files by manually assigning the correct layer type.

Validate board parameters

In the PCB tab, confirm:

• Size X / Size Y – board dimensions in mm
• Layer count – number of copper layers
• Base material / laminate – rigid/flex family and FR4 / IMS / other
• Surface finish – ENIG, HAL (HASL), or OSP
• Soldermask / legend – sides, colors, and IPC 471 via cover
• Copper outer/inner thickness and board thickness

These parameters feed into pricing calculations, panel layout, and the assembly summary.

Validate process data

• In the SMD and THT tabs, verify component placement visibility and orientation. Check for unmatched packages and correct any rotation or alignment issues.
• In the BOM tab, check for missing part metadata and reference mismatches against the PnP data.

Configure panelization

If your project requires panelization, switch to the Panel tab:

1. Set the grid layout (columns and rows).
2. Configure frame rails, fiducials, and tooling holes.
3. Add tabs and routing channels.
4. Review the panel canvas for correctness.

See Panel Checks for the full validation checklist.

Collaborate

For team projects, use the Conversation tab to discuss the project with your team. Mention colleagues with @ to notify them. Check your Inbox for mentions, approval requests, and status updates.

Review and export

• Check the Summary for assembly warnings and component counts.
• Review Pricing for cost estimates at your target quantities.
• Use Exports to download images, Gerber packages, PnP data, DXF drawings, and JPSys jet print programs for production handover.