How to Convert Gerber to PNG/JPG Images: Complete Guide for PCB Visualization

Every PCB designer eventually needs to share their board design with someone who doesn’t have CAM software installed. Maybe it’s a client who wants to see what they’re paying for, a blog post showcasing your latest project, or documentation for your GitHub repository. Whatever the reason, knowing how to convert Gerber to PNG or JPG images is an essential skill that saves time and eliminates the “can you just send me a picture?” requests. This guide covers everything from quick online conversions to high-resolution exports for professional documentation.

Why Convert Gerber Files to PNG or JPG?

Gerber files are the standard for PCB manufacturing, but they’re useless for sharing visual representations of your board. They require specialized software to view and don’t display in web browsers or standard image viewers. Converting Gerber to PNG or JPG images solves this problem by creating universally viewable files.

Use Case	Why Image Conversion Helps
Client presentations	Share board previews without CAM software
Documentation	Include in datasheets and user manuals
Website/portfolio	Showcase projects on blogs and GitHub
Social media	Share designs on Twitter, LinkedIn, forums
Design reviews	Email images for quick feedback
DIY PCB fabrication	Create masks for toner transfer method
CNC milling	Generate images for fab module workflows
Quality verification	Compare manufactured boards to design

PNG vs JPG: Which Format to Choose?

Factor	PNG	JPG
Compression	Lossless	Lossy
Transparency	Supported	Not supported
File size	Larger	Smaller
Best for	Technical accuracy, layers	Web sharing, thumbnails
Color depth	Up to 48-bit	24-bit
Sharp edges	Preserved	May blur

For PCB images, PNG is generally the better choice because it preserves sharp edges on traces and pads without compression artifacts. JPG works well for web thumbnails or when file size is a concern, but avoid it for images used in manufacturing workflows.

Understanding Resolution and DPI for Gerber Images

When converting Gerber to PNG or JPG, resolution matters significantly. The wrong DPI setting can produce blurry images or files too large to handle.

Purpose	Recommended DPI	Notes
Web display	72-150 DPI	Fast loading, adequate detail
Documentation	150-300 DPI	Good balance of size and quality
Printing	300-600 DPI	Sharp output on paper
Toner transfer	600-1200 DPI	Precise masks for DIY PCBs
Archival	300+ DPI	Future-proof high quality

Calculating Image Dimensions

To determine the pixel dimensions of your output image:

Pixels = Board dimension (inches) × DPI

For a 4″ × 3″ board at 300 DPI:

• Width: 4 × 300 = 1200 pixels
• Height: 3 × 300 = 900 pixels

Higher DPI means larger files and longer processing times, so choose appropriately for your use case.

Methods to Convert Gerber to PNG/JPG

Several approaches exist for converting Gerber files to image formats, from free command-line tools to commercial applications with full GUI interfaces.

Method 1: Using Gerbv (Free/Open Source)

Gerbv is the most popular free tool for Gerber viewing and image export. It runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS and offers both GUI and command-line operation.

GUI Conversion Process:

1. Download and install gerbv from gerbv.github.io
2. Launch gerbv and open your Gerber file via File → Open Layer(s)
3. Load additional layers (copper, mask, silk, drill) as needed
4. Adjust colors for each layer by right-clicking the layer name
5. Set the view zoom to your desired output resolution
6. Go to File → Export → PNG
7. Configure DPI and save

Command-Line Conversion for PNG:

Gerbv’s command-line interface is powerful for automation and batch processing:

bash

# Basic single file to PNGgerbv -x png -D 300 -o output.png input.gbr# With custom foreground and background colorsgerbv -x png -D 300 -f “#B87333” -b “#FFFFFF” -o copper.png top_copper.gbr# Multiple layers with different colorsgerbv -x png -D 300 -f “#B87333” -f “#00FF00” -o board.png copper.gbr silk.gbr# With antialiasing for smoother edgesgerbv -x png -D 300 -a -o smooth_output.png input.gbr# Setting specific window size in pixelsgerbv -x png -w 1920×1080 -o output.png input.gbr

Gerbv Command-Line Options:

Option	Description
-x png	Set export format to PNG
-D DPI	Resolution in dots per inch
-o filename	Output filename
-f #RRGGBB	Foreground color (use multiple for layers)
-b #RRGGBB	Background color
-a	Enable antialiasing
-B percent	Border around image (default 5%)
-w WxH	Window size in pixels
-W WxH	Window size in inches

Method 2: Using GerbView (Commercial with Trial)

GerbView by Software Companions provides professional-grade Gerber to image conversion with extensive control over output settings.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Download GerbView from gerbview.com (30-day trial available)
2. Launch and go to File → Add Layer
3. Select your Gerber files to load
4. Import Excellon drill files if needed
5. Adjust layer colors and visibility
6. Go to File → Export → Raster
7. Select PNG, JPEG, TIFF, or BMP format
8. Configure resolution and color depth
9. Save the image

GerbView Raster Export Settings:

Setting	Options	Recommendation
Format	PNG, JPEG, TIFF, BMP, WebP	PNG for quality, JPEG for size
Resolution	Custom DPI	300 for documentation
Color depth	1-bit to 24-bit	24-bit for color layers
Compression	Various	PNG compression level 6
Background	Transparent/Color	Transparent for overlay work

Method 3: Using Online Gerber Viewers

Several online tools let you view Gerber files and capture images without installing software.

Popular Online Viewers:

Service	URL	Features
Tracespace	tracespace.io/view	SVG rendering, local processing
GerbLook	gerblook.org	Quick visualization, layer toggle
PCBWay Viewer	pcbway.com/project/OnlineGerberViewer.html	2D/3D view
JLCPCB Viewer	jlcpcb.com/RGE	Manufacturing-focused
HQDFM/NextPCB	nextpcb.com/free-online-gerber-viewer	DFM analysis included

Using Online Viewers for Image Capture:

1. Upload your Gerber files to the viewer
2. Adjust layer visibility and colors
3. Set the view to your desired zoom level
4. Use browser screenshot (or right-click → Save image if available)
5. Crop and save using any image editor

Note: Online viewers process files locally in your browser, so your design data typically isn’t uploaded to servers. However, for confidential designs, desktop software is safer.

Method 4: Using GerberRender Script

GerberRender is a command-line script that creates realistic PCB renders from Gerber files.

Installation:

bash

# Install dependencies (Ubuntu/Debian)sudo apt install gerbv imagemagick# Clone the repositorygit clone https://github.com/brandtks/GerberRender.git

Usage:

bash

# Generate front and back rendersgerbrend# Specify output resolutiongerbrend -d 600# Generate only front sidegerbrend –front-only

This tool produces realistic-looking board renders with proper solder mask colors and metallic pad finishes.

Method 5: Using Python with gerber2png

For integration into automated workflows, Python scripts can convert Gerber files to PNG.

Basic Python Approach:

python

import subprocessdef gerber_to_png(gerber_file, output_file, dpi=300):    cmd = [        ‘gerbv’,        ‘-x’, ‘png’,        ‘-D’, str(dpi),        ‘-o’, output_file,        gerber_file    ]    subprocess.run(cmd)# Usagegerber_to_png(‘top_copper.gbr’, ‘copper_layer.png’, 600)

Method 6: Using reaConverter (Batch Processing)

For converting large numbers of Gerber files, reaConverter offers efficient batch processing.

reaConverter Feature	Description
Batch conversion	Process hundreds of files at once
Format support	GBR, GBS, CMP, SOL variants
Output options	PNG, JPEG, TIFF, BMP
Command line	Automation via CLI
Image editing	Resize, crop, watermark during conversion

Method 7: Using scConverter SDK (Developer Integration)

For software developers, the scConverter SDK provides programmatic Gerber to image conversion.

csharp

// C# examplescconverter.AddGerberLayer(“copper.gbr”, 0xFF00B87333, 0x01);scconverter.ConvertGerberLayersToImage(    “output.png”, “PNG”, 1.0, 24, 300, 0, ref width, ref height);

This approach is ideal for building custom applications or web services that need Gerber conversion capabilities.

Creating Multi-Layer Composite Images

Real PCBs have multiple layers that often need to be combined into a single image for visualization.

Layer Stacking Order

For a typical 2-layer board, stack layers in this order (bottom to top):

Order	Layer	Typical Color
1	Board outline	Black or dark gray
2	Bottom copper	Light blue
3	Bottom solder mask	Green (transparent)
4	Top copper	Red or copper
5	Top solder mask	Green (transparent)
6	Top silkscreen	White
7	Drill holes	Black

Combining Layers with Gerbv

bash

# Load all layers with appropriate colors and transparencygerbv -x png -D 300 -a \  -f “#000000” \  -f “#0000FF88” \  -f “#00800040” \  -f “#FF000088” \  -f “#00800040” \  -f “#FFFFFF” \  -f “#000000” \  -o composite.png \  outline.gbr bottom_copper.gbr bottom_mask.gbr \  top_copper.gbr top_mask.gbr silkscreen.gbr drill.drl

The alpha channel (last two hex digits) controls transparency, allowing layers to show through each other.

Best Practices for Gerber to Image Conversion

Color Recommendations

Layer Type	Suggested Color	Hex Code
Top copper	Copper/red	#B87333 or #FF0000
Bottom copper	Blue	#0000FF
Top solder mask	Green (transparent)	#00800080
Bottom solder mask	Green (transparent)	#00800080
Top silkscreen	White	#FFFFFF
Bottom silkscreen	Yellow	#FFFF00
Drill holes	Black	#000000
Board outline	Dark gray	#333333
Background	White or black	#FFFFFF or #000000

Tips for High-Quality Output

1. Use antialiasing for smoother edges on traces and pads
2. Match aspect ratio to actual board dimensions
3. Add appropriate border (5-10%) for visual breathing room
4. Use PNG format for technical accuracy
5. Verify scale by measuring known features
6. Invert negative layers (power planes) before export

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Image Appears Blank or Mostly Empty

Causes and Solutions:

Cause	Solution
Wrong coordinate offset	Use -O flag to set origin
Very small features	Increase DPI significantly
Inverted polarity	Check layer polarity settings
Missing aperture data	Ensure RS-274X format

Problem: Blurry or Pixelated Output

Causes and Solutions:

Cause	Solution
Low DPI	Increase resolution (300+ DPI)
JPG compression	Use PNG format instead
Small window size	Set larger pixel dimensions
Missing antialiasing	Enable -a flag in gerbv

Problem: Wrong Colors or All Same Color

Solutions:

• Specify colors explicitly with -f flag for each layer
• Load layers in correct order
• Check alpha channel for transparency
• Verify layer visibility settings

Problem: File Size Too Large

Solutions:

• Reduce DPI for web use (150 DPI)
• Use JPG for thumbnails
• Crop to board area only
• Use PNG compression optimization

Resources and Download Links

Free/Open Source Software

Tool	Website	Platform
Gerbv	gerbv.github.io	Windows, Linux, macOS
GerberRender	github.com/brandtks/GerberRender	Linux
FlatCAM	flatcam.org	Windows, Linux, macOS
KiCad GerbView	kicad.org	Windows, Linux, macOS

Commercial Software

Tool	Website	Trial Available
GerbView	gerbview.com	Yes (30 days)
ViewMate	pentalogix.com	Demo available
CAM350	downstreamtech.com	Contact vendor
reaConverter	reaconverter.com	Limited free

Online Viewers

Tool	URL	Notes
Tracespace	tracespace.io/view	Local processing
GerbLook	gerblook.org	Quick and simple
PCBWay Viewer	pcbway.com	Manufacturing preview
JLCPCB Viewer	jlcpcb.com/RGE	Order integration
HQDFM	nextpcb.com/free-online-gerber-viewer	DFM analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What DPI should I use when converting Gerber to PNG?

For web display, 150 DPI is usually sufficient. For documentation or printing, use 300 DPI. For DIY PCB fabrication using toner transfer, 600-1200 DPI provides the precision needed for accurate masks. Higher DPI creates larger files and takes longer to process, so choose based on your actual needs.

Can I convert multiple Gerber layers into a single image?

Yes, most tools support loading multiple layers and exporting them as a composite image. In gerbv, load all layers, set appropriate colors and transparency for each, then export. The layers will be rendered together in the output image. Use alpha channel values in hex colors (e.g., #FF000088) to control layer transparency.

Why does my exported image look different from the Gerber viewer?

Common causes include: different background colors, missing layers, inverted polarity on negative layers, or transparency settings. Ensure all layers are loaded, check that negative layers (like power planes) are properly inverted, and verify the background color matches your expectations. Also confirm your export resolution is high enough to show fine details.

Which format is better for toner transfer PCB fabrication?

PNG is strongly recommended for toner transfer because it uses lossless compression that preserves sharp edges on traces and pads. JPG’s lossy compression can introduce artifacts that affect the precision of your mask. Use at least 600 DPI, preferably 1200 DPI, and export in black and white for maximum contrast.

How do I automate Gerber to PNG conversion for multiple files?

Use gerbv’s command-line interface in a shell script or batch file. For example, a bash loop can process all Gerber files in a directory:

bash

for file in *.gbr; do    gerbv -x png -D 300 -o “${file%.gbr}.png” “$file”done

For more complex workflows, Python scripts using subprocess calls to gerbv provide additional flexibility for file naming, color management, and error handling.

Conclusion

Converting Gerber to PNG or JPG images is straightforward once you understand the tools and options available. For most users, gerbv provides everything needed, from quick GUI exports to powerful command-line automation. Commercial tools like GerbView offer additional features for professional workflows, while online viewers work well for quick checks without software installation.

The key to successful conversion is choosing the right resolution for your purpose and using PNG format when accuracy matters. Whether you’re creating documentation, sharing designs online, or preparing files for DIY fabrication, the methods in this guide will help you produce high-quality images from your Gerber files every time.

Remember that image exports are for visualization only, not manufacturing. Always send original Gerber files to your PCB fabricator, and use images for documentation, review, and sharing purposes.