Inquire: Call 0086-755-23203480, or reach out via the form below/your sales contact to discuss our design, manufacturing, and assembly capabilities.
Quote: Email your PCB files to Sales@pcbsync.com (Preferred for large files) or submit online. We will contact you promptly. Please ensure your email is correct.
Notes: For PCB fabrication, we require PCB design file in Gerber RS-274X format (most preferred), *.PCB/DDB (Protel, inform your program version) format or *.BRD (Eagle) format. For PCB assembly, we require PCB design file in above mentioned format, drilling file and BOM. Click to download BOM template To avoid file missing, please include all files into one folder and compress it into .zip or .rar format.
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.
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.
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:
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:
Activate the desired variant in the PCB editor
Generate ODB++ output for that variant
Name output folders to identify variants clearly
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.
Inquire: Call 0086-755-23203480, or reach out via the form below/your sales contact to discuss our design, manufacturing, and assembly capabilities.
Quote: Email your PCB files to Sales@pcbsync.com (Preferred for large files) or submit online. We will contact you promptly. Please ensure your email is correct.
Notes: For PCB fabrication, we require PCB design file in Gerber RS-274X format (most preferred), *.PCB/DDB (Protel, inform your program version) format or *.BRD (Eagle) format. For PCB assembly, we require PCB design file in above mentioned format, drilling file and BOM. Click to download BOM template To avoid file missing, please include all files into one folder and compress it into .zip or .rar format.
