How to Export ODB++ Files from KiCad: Complete Guide

KiCad 9 introduced native ODB++ export, bringing this powerful manufacturing format to the open-source PCB design community for the first time. Before version 9, KiCad users had to convert Gerber files through third-party CAM software to generate ODB++ output, which added complexity and potential for data loss.

Having worked with KiCad across multiple versions, the native ODB++ export in version 9 represents a significant improvement for professional manufacturing workflows. This guide covers the complete process of exporting ODB++ files from KiCad, including options for users still on older versions.

Understanding ODB++ Support in KiCad

KiCad’s journey to ODB++ support was a long-requested feature that finally arrived in version 9.0. The implementation is based on the ODB++Design Format Specification v8.1, providing compatibility with modern CAM systems.

KiCad Version Comparison

KiCad Version	ODB++ Support	Alternative Methods
KiCad 9.x	Native export	Direct from PCB Editor
KiCad 8.x	Not available	Convert via CAM software
KiCad 7.x	Not available	Convert via CAM software
KiCad 6.x	Not available	Convert via CAM software
KiCad 5.x and earlier	Not available	Convert via CAM software

If you are using KiCad 8 or earlier, you will need to export Gerber files and convert them using third-party software like FAB3000 or CAM350. The process is covered later in this guide.

What KiCad’s ODB++ Export Includes

Data Type	Included	Notes
Copper layers	Yes	All signal and plane layers
Solder mask	Yes	Top and bottom masks
Silkscreen	Yes	Component markings
Board outline	Yes	Edge cuts layer
Drill data	Yes	PTH and NPTH holes
Netlist	Yes	Complete connectivity data
Component placement	Yes	X/Y coordinates and rotation
Layer stackup	Yes	Physical layer ordering

The native export produces a complete ODB++ package containing all information needed for PCB fabrication and assembly.

Exporting ODB++ from KiCad 9

KiCad 9 provides ODB++ export through both the graphical interface and command line.

Step-by-Step GUI Export Process

Open your PCB design in KiCad’s PCB Editor. Before exporting, ensure your design is complete and passes DRC.

Navigate to File → Fabrication Outputs → ODB++. The ODB++ Export dialog opens with configuration options.

Export Dialog Options

Option	Description	Default
Output file	Destination path and filename	Project folder
Precision	Decimal places in coordinates	2
Units	Measurement units	mm
Compression	Output file format	ZIP

Precision Settings

Precision Value	Resolution	Use Case
2	0.01 mm / 0.01 inch	Standard designs
3	0.001 mm / 0.001 inch	Fine-pitch components
4	0.0001 mm / 0.0001 inch	High-precision designs

Higher precision increases file size but provides better accuracy for fine-pitch designs. For most PCBs, the default precision of 2 works correctly.

Compression Options

Format	Extension	Compatibility
ZIP	.zip	Universal compatibility
TGZ	.tgz	Preferred by CAM systems
None	folder	For debugging/inspection

ZIP compression is the default and works with virtually all CAM systems. Select TGZ if your manufacturer specifically requests it, or “None” to generate an uncompressed folder structure for inspection.

Units Selection

Setting	Format	When to Use
mm	Metric	Default, international standard
in	Imperial	US manufacturers preference

Metric (mm) is the default and recommended for most applications. Select imperial (in) only if your manufacturer specifically requires inch-based coordinates.

Completing the Export

After configuring options, click Export to generate the ODB++ output. KiCad creates the output file in your specified location. The process typically completes in seconds for standard designs.

Command Line ODB++ Export

KiCad 9 includes command line interface (CLI) support for ODB++ export, enabling automation and batch processing.

Basic Command Syntax

kicad-cli pcb export odb [options] INPUT_FILE

Available Command Line Options

Option	Description	Default
–output	Output filename or folder	Same as input
–precision	Decimal precision	2
–compression	none, zip, or tgz	zip
–units	mm or in	mm
–drawing-sheet	Custom drawing sheet path	Board default
–define-var	Override project variables	None

Example Commands

Basic export with defaults:

kicad-cli pcb export odb myboard.kicad_pcb

Export with TGZ compression and higher precision:

kicad-cli pcb export odb –compression tgz –precision 3 –output myboard.tgz myboard.kicad_pcb

Export uncompressed for inspection:

kicad-cli pcb export odb –compression none –output odb_output/ myboard.kicad_pcb

Automation with KiBot

KiBot, a popular KiCad automation tool, supports ODB++ export for KiCad 9:

yaml

outputs:  – name: ‘odb_output’    type: ‘odb’    dir: ‘fabrication’    options:      units: ‘mm’      precision: 2      compression: ‘zip’

This enables automated ODB++ generation as part of your CI/CD pipeline or release process.

ODB++ Export for Older KiCad Versions

If you are using KiCad 8 or earlier, you must convert Gerber files to ODB++ using third-party software.

Conversion Workflow Overview

Step	Action	Output
1	Export Gerber X2/X3	Layer files
2	Export NC Drill	Drill data
3	Export Pick and Place	Component positions
4	Load into CAM software	Combined data
5	Export as ODB++	Final ODB++ package

Step 1: Export Gerber Files from KiCad

Navigate to File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerber. Configure the plot settings:

Setting	Recommendation
Format	Gerber X2 (preferred) or RS-274X
Coordinate format	4.6 for mm, 4.5 for inches
Include extended attributes	Yes (for X2)

Plot all required layers including copper, mask, silkscreen, and edge cuts.

Step 2: Export Drill Files

Navigate to File → Fabrication Outputs → Drill Files. Configure drill output:

Setting	Recommendation
Format	Excellon
Units	Match Gerber units
Zero suppression	Match your CAM software

Generate drill files for all hole types (PTH and NPTH).

Step 3: Export Component Placement

Navigate to File → Fabrication Outputs → Component Placement. This creates pick-and-place files with component positions and rotations.

Step 4: Convert Using CAM Software

Several CAM tools can convert Gerber files to ODB++:

Software	License	Notes
FAB3000	Commercial	Full ODB++ support
CAM350	Commercial	Industry standard
GerbView	Commercial	Conversion capability
ViewMate	Free viewer	Limited export

FAB3000 provides a straightforward workflow for KiCad-to-ODB++ conversion. Load your Gerber, drill, and placement files, then export as ODB++.

Verifying ODB++ Output

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

Using ODB++ Viewer

Siemens provides a free ODB++ Viewer for verification:

Feature	Purpose
Layer display	Inspect individual layers
Component view	Verify placement data
Net highlighting	Check connectivity
Measurements	Verify dimensions

Download from odbplusplus.com/design/download/odb-viewer.

Verification Checklist

Check	What to Verify
Layer count	Matches KiCad stackup
Board dimensions	Correct size and shape
Hole count	All drills present
Net names	Connectivity preserved
Component count	All parts included
Positions	Correct X/Y coordinates

Comparing Against Gerber

For critical designs, export both ODB++ and Gerber files from KiCad and compare them in a DFM tool. Any discrepancies indicate potential export issues.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Several issues can arise during KiCad ODB++ export.

Export Fails or Produces Empty Output

Cause	Solution
No board outline	Define edge cuts layer
Empty design	Verify PCB contains data
Permission issues	Check output folder permissions

Missing Layer Data

Cause	Solution
Layer not enabled	Check layer visibility
Empty layer	Verify layer contains objects
Stackup mismatch	Review board setup

Compression Errors

Some users have reported issues with compressed output via CLI:

Issue	Workaround
“Insufficient permissions”	Export uncompressed, then compress manually
Corrupted archive	Try different compression format

Component Data Missing

Cause	Solution
No footprints placed	Place components on board
Footprint issues	Verify footprints are valid
Missing attributes	Check component properties

Comparing ODB++ and Gerber from KiCad

Understanding when to use each format helps you make the right choice.

Format Comparison

Aspect	ODB++	Gerber + Drill
File count	Single archive	Multiple files
Net data	Included	Requires IPC-356
Component data	Included	Requires placement file
Stackup info	Embedded	Separate documentation
CAM setup time	Faster	Manual layer assignment
Manufacturer support	Growing	Universal

When to Use ODB++

Scenario	Recommendation
Manufacturer requests ODB++	Use ODB++
Complex multilayer boards	ODB++ preferred
Assembly included	ODB++ has placement data
Simple 2-layer boards	Either format works
Manufacturer only accepts Gerber	Use Gerber

Useful Resources

Official Documentation

Resource	URL
KiCad 9 Documentation	docs.kicad.org/9.0
KiCad CLI Reference	docs.kicad.org/9.0/en/cli/cli.html
KiBot Documentation	kibot.readthedocs.io

ODB++ Resources

Resource	Description
ODB++ Viewer	Free viewer from Siemens
ODB++ Specification	Format documentation
ODB++ Design Website	odbplusplus.com

KiCad Community

Resource	URL
KiCad Forums	forum.kicad.info
KiCad GitLab	gitlab.com/kicad
KiCad Discord	Community chat

Conversion Tools

Tool	Source
FAB3000	numericalinnovations.com
CAM350	camtek.com
KiBot	github.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot

Frequently Asked Questions

Which KiCad version supports native ODB++ export?

KiCad 9.0 is the first version with native ODB++ export capability. This feature was introduced as part of the version 9 release and is based on the ODB++Design Format Specification v8.1. If you are using KiCad 8 or earlier, you must export Gerber files and convert them to ODB++ using third-party CAM software like FAB3000 or CAM350. The native export in KiCad 9 produces complete ODB++ packages including copper layers, drill data, component placement, and netlist information.

How do I access the ODB++ export in KiCad 9?

In the PCB Editor, navigate to File → Fabrication Outputs → ODB++. This opens the export dialog where you can configure precision, units, compression format, and output location. You can also use the command line interface with the command kicad-cli pcb export odb for automated exports. The graphical interface provides the same options as the command line in a more accessible format for interactive use.

What compression format should I use for ODB++ export?

ZIP compression is the default and provides universal compatibility with CAM systems. TGZ (tar gzip) format is preferred by some professional CAM tools like Frontline Genesis but is equally compatible with most systems. Choose “None” to generate an uncompressed folder structure if you need to inspect the raw ODB++ files for debugging purposes. For standard manufacturing submissions, either ZIP or TGZ works correctly with virtually all manufacturers that accept ODB++.

Can I export ODB++ from KiCad 8 or earlier versions?

KiCad 8 and earlier versions do not have native ODB++ export. You must use a two-step process: first export Gerber X2, NC Drill, and Pick-and-Place files from KiCad, then load these into CAM software like FAB3000 and export as ODB++. This indirect method adds an extra step but produces valid ODB++ output. Consider upgrading to KiCad 9 if ODB++ export is important for your workflow, as the native support eliminates the conversion step and potential for data loss.

Do all PCB manufacturers accept ODB++ files from KiCad?

Not all manufacturers accept ODB++ files, though support is growing. Many professional fabricators prefer ODB++ because it reduces their CAM setup time and eliminates layer assignment errors common with Gerber packages. However, some manufacturers, particularly low-cost prototype services, may only accept Gerber files. Always confirm with your manufacturer before submitting ODB++ files. When in doubt, provide both ODB++ and Gerber outputs to ensure compatibility with any manufacturer’s workflow.

ODB++ Export for Specific Manufacturers

Different manufacturers may have specific requirements when accepting ODB++ from KiCad.

Common Manufacturer Requirements

Requirement	Typical Setting
Compression format	ZIP or TGZ
Units	Varies by region
Precision	2-3 decimal places
Board outline	Must be included

Manufacturer Communication

Topic	Action
Format acceptance	Confirm ODB++ support before submission
Version requirements	Ask about specific ODB++ version needs
Additional files	Some may still want Gerber as backup
Stackup validation	Verify layer order matches specification

Always communicate with your manufacturer before first submission to confirm their ODB++ processing capabilities and any specific requirements.

Using KiCad Jobsets for ODB++ Export

KiCad 9 introduced Jobsets, which can automate ODB++ generation along with other outputs.

Creating a Jobset with ODB++

Navigate to File → New → Jobset to create a jobset file. Add ODB++ export along with other fabrication outputs for one-click generation.

Jobset Benefits

Benefit	Description
Consistency	Same settings every export
Automation	Generate all outputs at once
Reusability	Share jobsets across projects
CI/CD integration	Command line execution

Jobsets ensure you generate consistent manufacturing outputs across design revisions without manually configuring each export.

Best Practices for KiCad ODB++ Export

Following consistent practices ensures reliable output.

Before Export

Run DRC to verify design integrity. Ensure board outline is defined on the Edge.Cuts layer. Verify layer stackup is correctly configured in Board Setup. Confirm all components have valid footprints with correct attributes.

During Export

Use default precision (2) unless fine-pitch components require higher values. Select ZIP compression for maximum compatibility. Use metric units (mm) unless your manufacturer specifically requires imperial. Specify a clear output filename that identifies the project and revision.

After Export

Verify output in ODB++ Viewer before sending to manufacturing. Compare layer count and board dimensions against your design. Check that all nets and components appear in the export. Archive the ODB++ output alongside your KiCad project files.

KiCad 9’s native ODB++ export marks a significant milestone for open-source PCB design, bringing professional manufacturing capabilities to the free software community. The feature produces complete, specification-compliant output that manufacturers can process efficiently.