How to Export ODB++ Files from Altium Designer: Complete Guide

ODB++ export in Altium Designer provides a richer data exchange format than traditional Gerber files, yet many engineers stick with Gerber simply because they have not explored the ODB++ workflow. After switching several complex multilayer projects to ODB++ output, I found that manufacturers using modern CAM systems actually prefer this format because it reduces their pre-production setup time significantly.

This guide walks through the complete process of exporting ODB++ files from Altium Designer, covering both direct export and Output Job configuration methods.

What Is ODB++ Format

ODB++ (Open Database++) is an intelligent PCB data exchange format originally developed by Valor Computerized Systems. Unlike Gerber files that only contain graphical data, ODB++ includes netlist information, component data, layer stackup definitions, and design rules in a single comprehensive package.

The format uses a standardized directory structure with ASCII text files, making it both machine-readable and human-inspectable when needed.

ODB++ vs Gerber Comparison

Feature	ODB++	Gerber + Drill
Netlist included	Yes	Requires separate IPC-356 file
Component data	Yes	Requires separate files
Layer stackup	Embedded	Must be communicated separately
Design rules	Can include .RUL file	Not included
Drill information	Integrated	Separate Excellon files
File structure	Single directory	Multiple individual files
CAM processing	Faster setup	Manual layer assignment

ODB++ Directory Structure

When Altium generates ODB++ output, it creates a standardized folder structure:

Folder	Contents
fonts	Text font definitions
input	Original input data references
matrix	Layer order and drill pair definitions
misc	Miscellaneous job information
steps	Layer data, netlists, and board steps
symbols	Reusable graphic symbols
user	User-defined data and DRC rules

This structure allows CAM software to import the complete design with proper layer associations already established.

Two Methods for ODB++ Export in Altium Designer

Altium Designer provides two approaches for generating ODB++ output: direct export from the PCB editor and configured export through Output Job files.

Method Comparison

Aspect	Direct Export	Output Job
Access	File → Fabrication Outputs	OutJob configuration file
Settings storage	Project file	OutJob file
Repeatability	Manual each time	Saved configuration
Batch generation	Single output	Multiple outputs together
Best for	Quick one-time export	Production workflow

For occasional exports, direct export works fine. For production environments where you generate outputs repeatedly across project revisions, Output Job files provide consistency and efficiency.

Direct ODB++ Export from PCB Editor

The quickest way to generate ODB++ files is directly from an open PCB document.

Step-by-Step Direct Export Process

Open your PCB design in Altium Designer. Ensure your design passes DRC before generating manufacturing outputs.

Navigate to File → Fabrication Outputs → ODB++ Files. The ODB++ Setup dialog opens, displaying all configuration options.

Configure the layer selection and export options (detailed in the next section).

Click OK to generate the output. Altium creates the ODB++ directory structure in your project outputs folder.

Default Output Location

By default, Altium stores generated ODB++ files in:

Project Outputs for <ProjectName>\odb\

You can change this location in Project → Project Options on the Options tab.

ODB++ Setup Dialog Configuration

The ODB++ Setup dialog contains all settings that control what gets included in your export.

Layers to Plot Section

Option	Function
Plot checkbox	Enable/disable individual layers
Mirror checkbox	Mirror layer output
All On	Select all layers
All Off	Deselect all layers
Used On	Select only layers containing objects

Use the “Used On” option to automatically select all layers that contain design data, excluding empty layers.

Mechanical Layers Configuration

Select which mechanical layers to include by checking boxes in the “Add to all plots” section. Common mechanical layers to include are:

Layer Type	Typical Use
Board Outline	Defines PCB boundary
Assembly	Component placement reference
Dimensions	Manufacturing dimensions
Fabrication Notes	Special instructions

Critical Export Options

Option	Description	Recommendation
Include unconnected mid-layer pads	Exports orphan pads on inner layers	Enable for complete data
Generate DRC Rules export file	Creates .RUL file with design rules	Enable for DFM
Export only objects inside board outline	Limits export to board area	Enable typically
Merge Net-Tie Nets	Combines connected net-tie nets	Enable if using net ties

Profile Layer Selection

The profile layer defines the board boundary in the ODB++ output. Options include:

Source	When to Use
Board Outline	Standard designs with defined board shape
KeepOut Layer	Designs using keepout for boundary
Mechanical Layer	Custom boundary definitions

For most designs, Board Outline provides the correct boundary definition.

Output File Format Options

Altium offers three compression options for ODB++ output:

Format	Extension	Notes
Uncompressed	folder	Largest size, directly browsable
ZIP	.zip	Standard compression
TGZ	.tgz	Preferred by Frontline Genesis and other CAM tools

TGZ format offers the best compatibility with professional CAM software and smaller file sizes than ZIP.

Using Output Job Files for ODB++ Export

Output Job files provide a more professional workflow for generating manufacturing outputs.

Creating an Output Job File

Right-click your project in the Projects panel and select Add New to Project → Output Job File. A new OutJob editor opens.

Save the OutJob file with a descriptive name like “Fabrication.OutJob” or “Manufacturing.OutJob”.

Adding ODB++ Output to OutJob

In the Fabrication Outputs section of the OutJob editor, click Add New Fabrication Output and select ODB++ Files → [PCB Document].

Double-click the added ODB++ entry to open the ODB++ Setup dialog and configure settings as described above.

Configuring Output Container

Output containers define where generated files are stored. Options include:

Container Type	Output Location
Folder Structure	Specified folder path
PDF	Single PDF document
Video	Video file (not for ODB++)

For ODB++ output, configure a Folder Structure container targeting your desired output directory.

Generating Output from OutJob

With the OutJob configured, generate outputs using one of these methods:

Method	Steps
Single output	Right-click output entry → Run
All outputs	Click “Generate content” button
Selected outputs	Select multiple, right-click → Run

The OutJob approach allows you to generate ODB++, Gerber, NC Drill, and BOM files in a single operation.

Verifying ODB++ Output

Always verify generated ODB++ files before sending to manufacturing.

Using CAMtastic for Verification

Altium includes CAMtastic, a built-in CAM editor that can import and verify ODB++ files.

To load ODB++ into CAMtastic:

1. Create new CAM document: File → New → CAM Document
2. Import ODB++: File → Import → ODB++
3. Navigate to your generated ODB++ folder
4. Review imported layers in the CAM panel

Verification Checklist

Check	What to Verify
Layer count	Matches design layer stack
Board outline	Correct shape and dimensions
Drill data	All holes present with correct sizes
Netlist	Net names and connectivity intact
Component data	Designators and positions correct

External Verification Tools

Tool	Platform	Notes
Frontline InCAM	Professional	Industry-standard CAM
Valor NPI	Professional	Comprehensive DFM
CAM350	Professional	Widely used CAM viewer
GerbView	Free/Commercial	Basic ODB++ support

Common ODB++ Export Issues and Solutions

Several issues can arise during ODB++ export. Understanding these helps you troubleshoot efficiently.

Missing Layers in Output

Cause	Solution
Layer not selected for plot	Check “Plot” checkbox in ODB++ Setup
Empty layer	Verify layer contains objects
Layer class filtering	Check layer class selection

Board Outline Problems

Issue	Solution
No outline in output	Ensure Board Outline exists or select alternate profile layer
Wrong boundary shape	Verify closed polyline defines board shape
Multiple boundaries	Remove duplicate outline definitions

Netlist Not Included

ODB++ generated from Altium includes netlist data by default. If netlist appears missing:

Check	Action
Design has nets defined	Verify connectivity in PCB
Net-tie handling	Enable “Merge Net-Tie Nets” if applicable
Copper pour connections	Ensure pours are connected to nets

Large File Size

Cause	Solution
Uncompressed format	Select TGZ or ZIP compression
Excessive objects outside board	Enable “Export only objects inside board outline”
Many mechanical layers	Disable unnecessary mechanical layers

ODB++ Export for Specific Manufacturers

Some manufacturers have specific requirements for ODB++ submissions.

MacroFab Requirements

MacroFab accepts ODB++ directly from Altium:

Requirement	Setting
All layers enabled	Select all used layers
BOM format	Separate XLSX file required (MPN not in ODB++)
Pick and Place	Included in ODB++ component data

General Manufacturer Guidelines

Aspect	Recommendation
File format	TGZ preferred, ZIP acceptable
Layer naming	Use standard Altium layer names
Board outline	Include as profile layer
Documentation	Include fabrication notes layer

Always confirm specific requirements with your manufacturer before submitting ODB++ files.

Useful Resources

Altium Documentation

Resource	URL
ODB++ Setup Reference	altium.com/documentation (search “ODB Setup”)
Output Job Documentation	altium.com/documentation (search “Output Job”)
CAMtastic User Guide	altium.com/documentation (search “CAM Editor”)

ODB++ Format Resources

Resource	Description
ODB++ Solutions Alliance	Official ODB++ specification
Siemens (formerly Mentor)	ODB++ format owner
IPC-2581 Consortium	Alternative intelligent format

Verification Tools

Tool	Source
CAMtastic	Included with Altium Designer
GerbView	gerbview.com
Online viewers	Various manufacturer portals

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use ODB++ instead of Gerber files?

Use ODB++ when your manufacturer’s CAM system supports it and when your design benefits from the additional data richness. Complex multilayer boards, designs with blind or buried vias, and high-density interconnect designs particularly benefit from ODB++ because the format includes layer stackup and drill span information that must be communicated separately with Gerber files. ODB++ also reduces the chance of layer misassignment errors at the manufacturer since the format embeds layer relationships directly. If your manufacturer primarily uses Valor or Frontline CAM systems, they likely prefer ODB++.

Does ODB++ include drill information or do I need separate NC Drill files?

ODB++ includes integrated drill information within its structure, so you typically do not need separate Excellon NC Drill files when submitting ODB++ to manufacturers. However, note that when Altium Designer generates ODB++ from the PCB Editor, the drill data may need to be imported separately into CAMtastic for verification purposes. Other CAD/CAM packages usually include drill data directly in the ODB++ structure. Check with your manufacturer to confirm they can extract drill data from your ODB++ files.

Why is my ODB++ file so large compared to Gerber output?

ODB++ files are larger because they contain more information: netlist data, component attributes, layer relationships, and potentially design rules. You can reduce file size by selecting TGZ compression instead of uncompressed or ZIP format, enabling “Export only objects inside board outline” to exclude construction geometry outside the board area, and disabling mechanical layers that are not required for manufacturing. TGZ compression typically produces files 30-50% smaller than ZIP for equivalent data.

Can I verify ODB++ files without professional CAM software?

Yes, Altium Designer includes CAMtastic, which can import and display ODB++ files for verification. Create a new CAM document (File → New → CAM Document), then import your ODB++ folder (File → Import → ODB++). CAMtastic displays all layers and allows you to verify alignment, drill positions, and layer content. While not as feature-rich as professional CAM tools, CAMtastic provides adequate verification for most projects.

How do I include design rules in the ODB++ export?

Enable the “Generate DRC Rules export file (.RUL)” option in the ODB++ Setup dialog. This creates a .RUL file containing all design rules defined in your PCB project, stored in the “user” folder of the ODB++ structure. Manufacturers with compatible CAM systems can import these rules for automated DFM checking. Not all manufacturers utilize this feature, but including it provides comprehensive design intent documentation regardless.

Best Practices for ODB++ Export

Following consistent practices ensures reliable ODB++ output.

Before Export

Run DRC to verify design integrity. Ensure board outline is properly defined as a closed shape. Confirm all layers are correctly assigned in the layer stackup.

During Export

Use “Used On” to automatically select relevant layers. Enable TGZ compression for optimal file size and compatibility. Include the DRC rules file for complete documentation.

After Export

Verify output in CAMtastic or equivalent viewer. Confirm layer count and board dimensions match your design. Check that drill data is present and correct.

Advanced ODB++ Export Considerations

Embedded Board Arrays

When your design contains embedded board arrays (panelization), ODB++ export handles this automatically:

Consideration	Behavior
Layer stackup violations	Automatically analyzed during export
Flipped boards	Layer stacks display correctly flipped
Mid-layer differences	Different mid-layers can appear on same panel
Profile generation	Uses array boundary or individual board outlines

Enable “Export only objects inside board outline” to control whether the entire array or individual boards define the export boundary.

Net-Tie Component Handling

Designs using net-tie components require special attention during ODB++ export. The “Merge Net-Tie Nets” option controls how connected nets report in the netlist:

Setting	Result
Enabled	Connected nets appear as single distinguished nets
Disabled	Nets remain separate despite physical connection

Enable this option when your manufacturer’s DFM tools need to understand net-tie relationships for proper connectivity verification.

Working with Design Variants

If your project uses design variants, each variant may require separate ODB++ output:

1. Activate the desired variant in the PCB editor
2. Generate ODB++ output for that variant
3. Name output folders to identify variants clearly
4. Repeat for additional variants

Output Job files can streamline variant output by configuring separate containers for each variant.

Exporting ODB++ files from Altium Designer provides manufacturers with richer design data than traditional Gerber files, potentially reducing manufacturing setup time and communication overhead. The process becomes routine once you establish your preferred settings in an Output Job file, allowing consistent and repeatable output generation across all your PCB projects.