How to Generate Gerber Files from Quadcept: Complete PCB Engineer’s Guide

After working with various PCB design tools over the years, I’ve found that Quadcept strikes an interesting balance between professional-grade features and accessibility. The cloud-based licensing model means you can work from anywhere, but more importantly for this discussion, the Gerber export workflow is remarkably streamlined once you understand how the settings interact with each other.

This guide covers everything you need to know about generating manufacturing-ready Gerber files from Quadcept, including the less obvious settings that can save you from costly fabrication delays.

Understanding Gerber Files in PCB Manufacturing

Before diving into Quadcept’s specific workflow, let’s briefly revisit what Gerber files actually do. These files serve as the universal communication standard between your PCB design and the manufacturer’s fabrication equipment.

Each Gerber file represents a single layer of your board design — copper layers, solder masks, silkscreen, board outline — as a 2D vector image that photoplotter machines can interpret. When combined with NC drill files, these documents provide everything a fabrication house needs to produce your physical board.

The RS-274X Format Standard

Quadcept outputs Gerber files in the RS-274X format (Extended Gerber), which is the current industry standard. This format embeds aperture definitions directly within each file, eliminating the separate aperture wheel files required by the obsolete RS-274D format.

RS-274X offers significant advantages for modern PCB production:

• Self-contained files with embedded apertures
• Support for complex polygon fills
• Human-readable ASCII format for troubleshooting
• Universal compatibility with CAM systems

Quadcept Overview: Cloud-Based PCB Design

Quadcept is a professional-grade EDA tool developed in Japan that has gained significant traction globally, with installations at major companies including Toyota, Sony, and Panasonic. The software operates on a cloud-based licensing model, meaning authentication happens over the network rather than through USB dongles.

Key Quadcept Features for Manufacturing Output

Feature	Description	Manufacturing Benefit
Batch Output	Export all files simultaneously	Prevents missing layers
Built-in Gerber Viewer	Verify exports without external tools	Immediate visual confirmation
MRC (Manufacturing Rule Check)	Pre-export manufacturability verification	Catches issues before submission
ODB++ Export	Alternative to Gerber files	Single-file manufacturing data
NC Drill Support	RS-274X and Excellon formats	Flexible drill file compatibility

Pre-Export Checklist: Before Generating Gerber Files

Rushing to export Gerber files before your design is truly complete is a common mistake that leads to rejected files and manufacturing delays. Take time to verify these elements before proceeding.

Design Verification Steps

Run DRC (Design Rule Check): Navigate to Project >> Run DRC/MRC or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + D. The DRC verifies electrical and spacing rules throughout your design.

Run MRC (Manufacturing Rule Check): Use Ctrl + M to execute the Manufacturing Rule Check. This Quadcept-specific feature checks for issues that would cause problems during fabrication, such as:

• Trace widths below manufacturer minimums
• Insufficient clearances for etching processes
• Drill sizes outside acceptable ranges
• Solder mask slivers that could fail during application

Verify Board Outline: Ensure your board outline is a continuous, closed shape. Open or overlapping outline segments will cause export failures or manufacturer confusion.

Check Layer Stack: Confirm your layer definitions match your intended board construction. Quadcept’s layer management allows complex stackups, but manufacturing files must accurately reflect your design intent.

Step-by-Step Guide: Generating Gerber Files from Quadcept

Step 1: Access PCB Settings for Gerber Configuration

Open your PCB document and navigate to the Gerber settings through one of these methods:

• Method 1: Click the Gerber icon in the PCB Settings toolbar
• Method 2: Select Project >> Gerber >> Export Gerber from the menu
• Method 3: Use the Batch Output function for comprehensive export

The Gerber section of the Settings dialog appears, allowing you to configure output layers and aperture information.

Step 2: Configure Layer Output Settings

The layer configuration screen displays all available layers in your design. For each layer you want to export, you’ll specify:

Display Layer Combinations: Quadcept allows you to save layer combinations for repeated use. This is particularly useful for multi-layer boards where you need consistent exports across revisions.

Layer-Specific Settings:

Layer Type	Typical Setting	Notes
Top Copper	Electric layer only	Component-side copper
Bottom Copper	Electric layer only	Solder-side copper
Inner Layers	Electric + Plane	For multilayer boards
Top Silkscreen	All silk objects	Reference designators
Top Solder Mask	Mask openings	Pad exposure areas
Bottom Solder Mask	Mask openings	Solder-side exposure
Board Outline	Outline layer	Manufacturing boundary

Pro Tip: Check the “Show Output Layers only” option to filter the display to layers actually being exported. This helps prevent accidental omission of required layers.

Step 3: Configure Aperture Settings

Apertures define the basic shapes used to draw features in your Gerber files. Quadcept handles aperture assignment automatically, but you can customize D-code assignments if your manufacturer has specific requirements.

The aperture settings include:

• D-Code Priority: Specify preferred aperture assignments
• Custom Apertures: Define non-standard shapes if needed
• Aperture Table: Review all apertures used in your design

For most designs, the default automatic aperture assignment works correctly. Only modify these settings if your manufacturer specifically requests certain D-code configurations.

Step 4: Set File Format Options

Configure the output format settings to match your manufacturer’s requirements:

Coordinate Format: Most manufacturers accept the default format. Common options include 2:4 or 2:5 precision (integer:decimal digits).

Units: Select inches or millimeters based on your manufacturer’s preference. Ensure this setting matches your NC drill file units.

Offset Settings: The X/Y offset fields allow you to shift all objects by a specified distance. Leave at zero unless you have specific panelization requirements.

Mirror/Flip Options: Control layer orientation for manufacturing. Typically, you should NOT mirror Gerber outputs — the manufacturer handles orientation.

Step 5: Execute Gerber Export

With settings configured, execute the export using one of these methods:

1. Click the export icon in the Gerber settings screen
2. Select Project >> Gerber >> Export Gerber
3. Use Batch Output for comprehensive file generation

Quadcept saves all Gerber files to your specified output directory with appropriate file extensions.

Step 6: Verify Exported Files with Built-in Viewer

One of Quadcept’s conveniences is the integrated Gerber viewer. After export, Quadcept automatically opens the generated files for visual confirmation.

In the Gerber viewer, you can:

• Toggle individual layer visibility
• Change display colors for clarity
• Verify layer registration (alignment)
• Confirm feature accuracy

Never skip this verification step. Visual confirmation catches issues that automated checks might miss.

Generating NC Drill Files in Quadcept

Gerber files alone are insufficient for manufacturing — you also need NC drill files specifying hole locations and sizes.

NC Drill Export Process

Access NC drill settings through Project >> NC Drill >> Export NC Drill or via Batch Output.

Quadcept supports two NC drill formats:

Format	Description	Best For
RS-274X	Gerber-style drill format	Modern manufacturers
Excellon	Industry-standard drill format	Universal compatibility

Slot and Square Hole Handling

For Excellon format exports, Quadcept provides options for handling slots and square holes. Since standard drill files only describe round holes, non-circular apertures require special treatment:

• Routed Slots: Defined as routing paths
• Multiple Hits: Square holes approximated with overlapping drills
• Separate Layer: Complex shapes on dedicated milling layer

Consult your manufacturer’s capabilities before selecting slot/square hole output options.

NC Drill Chart Generation

Quadcept can generate drill charts showing hole sizes, quantities, and locations. Two methods are available:

Auto Chart: Creates a standard drill chart automatically Custom Chart: Allows manual placement and formatting of drill information

Include drill charts with your manufacturing package for clear communication with the fabrication house.

Using Batch Output for Complete Manufacturing Package

For production-ready exports, Quadcept’s Batch Output function generates all manufacturing files simultaneously, reducing the risk of missing layers or mismatched settings.

Accessing Batch Output

Navigate to Project >> Batch Output to access the comprehensive export dialog.

Batch Output Includes

The Batch Output function can generate:

• All configured Gerber layers
• NC drill files (all formats)
• NC drill charts
• Component coordinate files
• BOM (Bill of Materials)
• Manufacturing instructions memo

Manufacturing Instructions Memo

Quadcept automatically generates a text file (.txt) containing:

• Layer names and corresponding file names
• Export settings summary
• Special manufacturing notes

This memo provides valuable documentation for the manufacturer and for your own records.

Alternative: Exporting ODB++ Files from Quadcept

For manufacturers that accept it, ODB++ offers advantages over traditional Gerber files by combining all manufacturing data into a single intelligent file format.

ODB++ vs. Gerber Comparison

Aspect	Gerber Files	ODB++
File Count	Multiple files per layer	Single file package
Net Information	Not included	Embedded
Component Data	Separate file required	Included
Stack-up Info	External documentation	Embedded
Industry Adoption	Universal	Growing

Exporting ODB++ from Quadcept

Access ODB++ export through Project >> ODB++ >> Export ODB++.

Configure layer assignments carefully — ODB++ requires explicit designation of layer types (Top, Bottom, Inner) and purposes (Signal, Plane, Solder Mask, etc.).

Common Gerber Export Issues and Solutions

Issue 1: Missing Layers in Export

Symptoms: Manufacturer reports missing copper or mask layers.

Solution: Verify all required layers are checked in the export configuration. Use “Show Output Layers only” to confirm selected layers.

Issue 2: Coordinate Mismatch Between Gerber and Drill

Symptoms: Drill holes appear offset from pads when viewed together.

Solution: Ensure Gerber and NC drill exports use identical coordinate formats, units, and origin points.

Issue 3: Incomplete Board Outline

Symptoms: Manufacturer cannot determine board boundaries.

Solution: Verify board outline is a continuous, closed path. Check for gaps at corners or overlapping segments.

Issue 4: Aperture Definition Errors

Symptoms: Features appear as thin lines or incorrect shapes.

Solution: This typically occurs with RS-274D files (obsolete). Confirm export uses RS-274X format with embedded apertures.

Issue 5: Silkscreen Overlapping Pads

Symptoms: MRC warnings about silk-to-pad clearance.

Solution: Adjust silkscreen placement or use Quadcept’s automatic silkscreen trimming feature to maintain clearances.

Useful Resources for Quadcept Users

Official Documentation and Downloads

Resource	URL	Description
Quadcept Main Site	quadcept.com	Software download and licensing
Online Manual	quadcept.com/en/manual	Comprehensive documentation
Help Center	support.quadcept.com	FAQs and tutorials
Ultra Librarian	ultralibrarian.com	Component library integration

Gerber Verification Tools

Tool	Platform	Cost
Quadcept Built-in Viewer	Windows	Included
Gerbv	Linux/Windows	Free
ViewMate	Windows	Free version available
GC-Prevue	Windows	Free
CAM350	Windows	Commercial

Manufacturer Resources

Most PCB manufacturers provide design guidelines and file requirements. Always check your specific manufacturer’s documentation for:

• Minimum trace/space requirements
• Supported file formats
• Layer naming conventions
• Drill file preferences

Best Practices for Gerber File Management

Version Control

Implement a systematic naming convention for Gerber exports:

ProjectName_Rev##_YYYYMMDD.zip

This prevents confusion between design revisions and ensures manufacturers receive current files.

File Packaging

Always compress Gerber files into a single ZIP archive before sending to manufacturers. Include:

• All Gerber layers (.gbr or layer-specific extensions)
• NC drill files (.drl, .xln, or .txt)
• Drill chart or fabrication drawing
• README or manufacturing notes
• Stack-up documentation for multilayer boards

Pre-Submission Checklist

Before sending files to your manufacturer:

1. Verify all layers present in Gerber viewer
2. Confirm drill files align with copper layers
3. Check board outline is complete and continuous
4. Review silkscreen for legibility and pad clearance
5. Validate layer count matches order specifications
6. Include special instructions for non-standard features

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I generate Gerber files with the Quadcept trial version?

Yes, the trial version (limited to 100 pins and 4 layers) allows full Gerber export functionality. However, if your design exceeds these limits, the software enters viewer mode and export is disabled.

What happens to my Gerber files if my Quadcept license expires?

Your existing design files and previously exported Gerber files remain accessible. You can view and print Gerber data, but you cannot modify designs exceeding the 100-pin trial limit or generate new exports from locked projects.

Does Quadcept support Gerber X2 or X3 formats?

Quadcept primarily outputs RS-274X format Gerber files, which remain the most widely accepted standard. For enhanced data transfer, consider using ODB++ export, which provides similar benefits to newer Gerber formats.

How do I export files for a specific PCB manufacturer?

Most manufacturers accept standard RS-274X Gerber files and Excellon drill files. Check your manufacturer’s guidelines for specific requirements, then configure Quadcept’s export settings accordingly. Use Batch Output to ensure complete file packages.

Can I import Gerber files from other CAD tools into Quadcept?

Yes, Quadcept can open and view Gerber files from any source. The software supports converting design data from 13 different CAD formats, making it useful for legacy design migration.

Quadcept vs. Other PCB Design Tools for Gerber Export

Having used multiple PCB design platforms, I can offer some perspective on how Quadcept’s Gerber export compares to alternatives.

Export Workflow Comparison

Feature	Quadcept	Altium	KiCad	Eagle
Built-in Gerber Viewer	Yes	Yes	Yes	Limited
Batch Export	Yes	Via OutJob	Manual	CAM Jobs
MRC Pre-check	Yes	DFM Tools	Basic DRC	Basic DRC
ODB++ Support	Yes	Yes	No	No
Cloud Licensing	Yes	Optional	N/A (Free)	Subscription
Learning Curve	Moderate	Steep	Moderate	Easy

Quadcept’s Advantages

The integrated Manufacturing Rule Check (MRC) sets Quadcept apart from many competitors. While other tools focus primarily on electrical design rules, Quadcept explicitly checks for manufacturing constraints before you generate output files.

The automatic generation of manufacturing instruction memos is another thoughtful feature. Rather than manually documenting which file corresponds to which layer, Quadcept creates this reference automatically during export.

Considerations for Tool Selection

Quadcept’s subscription model ($99/month for PCB Designer) positions it between free tools like KiCad and premium solutions like Altium Designer. For engineers who need professional-grade manufacturing output without enterprise-level costs, this pricing makes sense.

The cloud-based licensing means you can work from multiple locations without transferring USB dongles, though it does require internet connectivity for license verification.

Advanced Topics: Multilayer Board Gerber Export

For complex multilayer designs, additional considerations apply when generating Gerber files.

Inner Layer Configuration

Quadcept handles inner copper layers (signal and plane) through the layer stack manager. When exporting Gerbers for multilayer boards:

Signal Layers: Export as positive images showing copper traces Plane Layers: Can export as positive (showing copper) or negative (showing clearances)

Verify with your manufacturer which format they prefer for plane layers. Most modern CAM systems handle either format correctly.

Blind and Buried Via Documentation

If your design uses blind or buried vias, ensure your NC drill export properly separates these into distinct files based on the layer spans they connect. Quadcept’s drill export settings allow configuration for:

• Through-hole vias (full stack)
• Blind vias (outer to inner)
• Buried vias (inner to inner)

Each via type may require separate drill files depending on manufacturer requirements.

Impedance Control Documentation

For controlled-impedance designs, Gerber files alone don’t convey stack-up requirements. Include separate documentation specifying:

• Target impedance values
• Trace widths for controlled impedance nets
• Dielectric thicknesses
• Copper weights per layer

Quadcept’s ODB++ export includes some of this information, but explicit stack-up drawings remain important for critical RF and high-speed designs.

Troubleshooting Quadcept Export Errors

Error: “Layer Not Found”

This occurs when the export configuration references a layer that doesn’t exist in your current design. Review your layer settings and remove references to unused layers.

Error: “Invalid Aperture Definition”

Usually indicates a custom aperture with incorrect parameters. Reset to default apertures and re-run the export. If a specific aperture is required, verify its dimensions are within valid ranges.

Error: “File Write Failed”

Check that your output directory exists and you have write permissions. Also verify sufficient disk space for the generated files.

Warning: “Objects Outside Board Outline”

While not preventing export, this warning indicates elements extend beyond your defined board boundary. Review silkscreen, copper pours, and component placement.

Conclusion: Streamlining Your Quadcept Manufacturing Workflow

Generating Gerber files from Quadcept is straightforward once you understand the relationship between layer configurations, export settings, and verification steps. The software’s built-in Gerber viewer and comprehensive Batch Output function significantly reduce the risk of missing or misconfigured files.

Key takeaways for reliable Gerber generation:

1. Run MRC before exporting — Quadcept’s Manufacturing Rule Check catches fabrication issues early
2. Use Batch Output — Generates complete manufacturing packages with consistent settings
3. Verify exports visually — The built-in Gerber viewer confirms layer accuracy immediately
4. Include drill files — Gerbers without NC drill data are incomplete
5. Document your settings — Save layer configurations for repeatable exports

The manufacturing memo feature automatically documents your export settings, creating a valuable reference for both you and your fabrication partner. Combined with systematic file naming and version control, these practices ensure smooth transitions from design to production.

Whether you’re prototyping a simple two-layer board or producing complex multilayer designs, Quadcept’s Gerber export capabilities provide the flexibility and verification tools needed for successful PCB manufacturing.