How to Generate Gerber Files from CircuitLab: Understanding the Workflow

If you’ve been searching for a way to generate Gerber files directly from CircuitLab, I need to share something important upfront: CircuitLab doesn’t support direct Gerber file export. As someone who’s worked with various EDA tools over the years, I understand the frustration of discovering a tool’s limitations after you’ve already invested time in a design. But don’t close this page yet—this article will show you exactly how to get from your CircuitLab schematic to manufacturing-ready Gerber files using a practical workflow.

CircuitLab is an excellent browser-based circuit simulator and schematic capture tool, but it was designed specifically for simulation and analysis, not PCB layout. Understanding this distinction is crucial for planning your design workflow effectively.

What Is CircuitLab and What Can It Actually Do?

CircuitLab launched in February 2012 as an in-browser schematic capture and circuit simulation platform. The tool has gained popularity among students, hobbyists, and professional engineers for its ease of use and powerful simulation capabilities. However, its scope is intentionally focused on the front-end of electronic design.

CircuitLab Core Capabilities

Feature	Description	Output Formats
Schematic Capture	Drag-and-drop circuit design	PDF, PNG, EPS, SVG
DC Analysis	Operating point calculations	Plot data, CSV
Time-Domain Simulation	Transient analysis	Plot images, data export
Frequency-Domain Analysis	AC sweep, Bode plots	Plot images, data export
Mixed-Mode Simulation	Analog and digital together	Simulation results
Parameter Sweeps	Component value variation	Parametric plots

What CircuitLab Cannot Do

Limitation	Impact on PCB Design
No PCB Layout Editor	Cannot create board layouts
No Netlist Export	Cannot transfer connectivity to other tools
No Gerber Generation	Cannot produce manufacturing files
No BOM Export	Cannot generate parts lists for procurement
No Footprint Library	No component physical data
No Design Rule Checking	No manufacturing validation

This isn’t a criticism of CircuitLab—it’s simply not what the tool was designed for. The developers focused on creating the best possible simulation experience, and many users find tremendous value in that focused approach.

Why CircuitLab Users Search for Gerber Export

The search intent behind “generate Gerber files from CircuitLab” typically falls into one of these categories:

Users have completed circuit simulation in CircuitLab and want to proceed to PCB fabrication. They’re looking for a seamless path from their validated schematic to a manufactured board.

Some users assume that because CircuitLab has professional-quality schematic output, it must also include PCB design capabilities. This is a reasonable assumption given that many other EDA tools offer both.

Others are evaluating CircuitLab and want to understand the complete workflow before committing to the platform for their project.

Whatever brought you here, let’s explore the practical options for getting your CircuitLab designs onto a physical PCB.

The Complete Workflow: From CircuitLab to Gerber Files

Since CircuitLab cannot export netlists or design data in formats compatible with PCB layout tools, the workflow requires recreating your schematic in a PCB-capable EDA tool. While this might seem like extra work, the simulation you’ve done in CircuitLab remains valuable—you’ve validated your circuit’s behavior before committing to a board design.

Step 1: Export Your CircuitLab Schematic for Reference

Before moving to another tool, capture your CircuitLab schematic in a format you can reference during the recreation process.

CircuitLab supports several export formats for schematics:

Export Format	Best Use Case	Quality
PDF	Documentation, printing	Vector, scalable
PNG	Quick reference, web sharing	Raster, fixed resolution
SVG	Scalable graphics, editing	Vector, editable
EPS	Professional publications	Vector, print-ready

To export your schematic from CircuitLab, save your circuit first (requires an account), then access the export options from your circuit page. The PDF export produces sharp, professional-looking schematics that work well as reference documents.

Step 2: Document Your Component Values and Connections

Create a manual bill of materials from your CircuitLab schematic. This documentation will speed up your work in the PCB design tool.

Record the following for each component:

Information	Example	Why It Matters
Reference Designator	R1, C3, U2	Identifies component
Component Type	Resistor, Capacitor	Determines footprint category
Value	10kΩ, 100nF	Affects physical size selection
Package/Footprint	0603, SOIC-8	Critical for PCB layout
Voltage/Power Rating	50V, 0.25W	May affect package choice

Step 3: Choose a PCB Design Tool with Gerber Export

Several EDA tools offer both schematic capture and PCB layout with Gerber export. Here are options suited to different needs:

Free PCB Design Tools with Gerber Export

Tool	Platform	Gerber Format	Best For
KiCad	Windows, Mac, Linux	RS-274X, Gerber X2	Full-featured, open source
EasyEDA	Browser-based	RS-274X	Quick projects, JLCPCB integration
Fritzing	Windows, Mac, Linux	RS-274X	Beginners, breadboard-style
CircuitMaker	Windows	RS-274X, ODB++	Altium technology, free
Autodesk EAGLE	Windows, Mac, Linux	RS-274X	Industry standard, limited free
Horizon EDA	Windows, Linux	RS-274X	Modern architecture

Paid PCB Design Tools

Tool	Price Range	Gerber Formats	Best For
Altium Designer	$$$$	All formats, ODB++	Professional, enterprise
OrCAD	$$$	RS-274X, ODB++	Complex designs
PADS	$$$	RS-274X, ODB++	Mid-range professional
Altium CircuitStudio	$$	RS-274X, ODB++	Professional, affordable
DipTrace	−- −$	RS-274X	Cost-effective professional

Step 4: Recreate Your Schematic in the PCB Tool

Using your exported CircuitLab schematic as reference, recreate the circuit in your chosen PCB design tool. This step requires attention to detail but offers benefits:

You’ll select actual component footprints during schematic entry, ensuring your parts are manufacturable. You can add power supply decoupling, test points, and other practical elements that weren’t needed for simulation. The new schematic will have proper connectivity data for PCB layout.

Step 5: Design the PCB Layout

With a complete schematic in your PCB tool, you can now create the board layout. This process involves placing components and routing traces to match your schematic connectivity.

Step 6: Generate Gerber Files

Once your PCB layout passes design rule checks, generate the manufacturing files. The exact process varies by tool, but generally includes:

File Type	Purpose	Typical Extension
Copper Layers	Trace patterns	.GTL, .GBL, .G2, .G3
Solder Mask	Protective coating openings	.GTS, .GBS
Silkscreen	Component labels	.GTO, .GBO
Board Outline	Physical dimensions	.GKO, .GM1
Drill File	Hole locations	.DRL, .XLN
Paste Mask	Stencil for SMT assembly	.GTP, .GBP

Detailed Workflow Example: CircuitLab to KiCad to Gerber

Let me walk through a specific example using KiCad, since it’s free, powerful, and widely used.

Exporting from CircuitLab

Open your completed circuit in CircuitLab. Click to save your circuit (you’ll need an account for this). From your circuit page, use the Print PDF button to generate a schematic document. Save this PDF for reference during the KiCad schematic entry process.

Additionally, take notes on your component values and any node names you’ve assigned in CircuitLab. These details help maintain consistency when you recreate the design.

Creating the Schematic in KiCad

Open KiCad and create a new project. Launch the Schematic Editor (Eeschema). Using your CircuitLab PDF as reference, place components from KiCad’s libraries. When selecting components, you’ll also specify footprints—the physical package that will appear on your PCB.

Wire the components together following your CircuitLab schematic. Run the Electrical Rules Check (ERC) to verify connectivity. Assign footprints to any components that don’t have them yet.

Creating the PCB Layout in KiCad

Open the PCB Editor (Pcbnew) and import your netlist from the schematic. Define your board outline using the Edge.Cuts layer. Place components within the board boundary, considering signal flow and thermal management. Route traces to connect all components according to the netlist. Add copper pours for ground planes if appropriate. Run Design Rule Check (DRC) to verify manufacturability.

Generating Gerber Files from KiCad

In Pcbnew, go to File and select Plot. Select Gerber as the plot format. Choose which layers to include (copper, mask, silk, outline). Set the output directory. Click Plot to generate the Gerber files. Use the Generate Drill Files button to create the drill file. Verify your files in a Gerber viewer before sending to manufacturing.

Alternative Approach: Browser-Based PCB Design

If you prefer staying in a browser environment like CircuitLab provides, consider EasyEDA as your PCB design tool. The workflow offers some advantages:

EasyEDA provides schematic capture, simulation, and PCB layout in one browser-based package. It integrates directly with JLCPCB for ordering. No software installation is required. Projects are cloud-stored and accessible anywhere.

EasyEDA Workflow for CircuitLab Users

Step	Action	Notes
1	Export CircuitLab schematic as PDF	Reference document
2	Create new EasyEDA project	Browser-based, free account
3	Recreate schematic in EasyEDA	Access to LCSC component library
4	Convert schematic to PCB	One-click netlist transfer
5	Complete PCB layout	Auto-router available
6	Generate Gerber files	Export menu, RS-274X format
7	Order directly or download	JLCPCB integration optional

Tools That Combine Simulation and PCB Design

If you’re starting a new project and want an integrated workflow from simulation to Gerber files, consider these alternatives to the CircuitLab-plus-separate-PCB-tool approach:

Integrated EDA Platforms

Platform	Simulation	PCB Design	Gerber Export	Cost
EasyEDA	Yes (SPICE)	Yes	Yes	Free
Altium Designer	Yes (mixed-signal)	Yes	Yes	Paid
KiCad + ngspice	Yes (SPICE)	Yes	Yes	Free
Proteus	Yes (mixed-signal)	Yes	Yes	Paid
Multisim + Ultiboard	Yes	Yes	Yes	Paid
LTspice + third-party	Yes (SPICE)	No (export needed)	Via other tool	Free

For hobby and educational projects, EasyEDA offers the closest experience to CircuitLab’s browser-based convenience while adding full PCB design and Gerber export capabilities.

Verifying Your Gerber Files

Regardless of which tool you use to generate Gerber files, always verify them before sending to a manufacturer. This step catches errors that could result in unusable boards.

Recommended Gerber Viewers

Viewer	Platform	Cost	Features
Gerbv	Windows, Linux	Free	Open source, reliable
KiCad GerbView	Cross-platform	Free	Part of KiCad suite
Ucamco Reference Viewer	Online	Free	Official Gerber standard
ViewMate	Windows	Free	Industry standard
FlatCAM	Cross-platform	Free	CAM preparation
CAM350	Windows	Paid	Professional CAM

Verification Checklist

Check Item	What to Verify
Layer Count	All copper layers present
Board Outline	Closed shape, correct dimensions
Drill Alignment	Holes centered on pads
Solder Mask	Correct pad openings
Silkscreen	Readable, doesn’t overlap pads
Copper Pours	Properly filled, correct clearances
Minimum Features	Traces and spaces meet fab limits

Useful Resources for Your Workflow

CircuitLab Resources

Resource	URL	Description
CircuitLab Main Site	circuitlab.com	Design platform
CircuitLab Documentation	circuitlab.com/docs	User guides
CircuitLab FAQ	circuitlab.com/docs/faq	Common questions
CircuitLab Forums	circuitlab.com/forums	Community support
Ultimate Electronics Textbook	circuitlab.com/textbook	Free learning resource

Free PCB Design Tool Downloads

Tool	Download Location	Notes
KiCad	kicad.org	Cross-platform
EasyEDA	easyeda.com	Browser-based
CircuitMaker	altium.com/circuitmaker	Requires registration
Fritzing	fritzing.org	Donation requested
Horizon EDA	horizon-eda.org	Linux-focused
LibrePCB	librepcb.org	Modern architecture

PCB Manufacturers Accepting Gerber Files

Manufacturer	Specialty	Gerber Formats
JLCPCB	Low-cost prototypes	RS-274X
PCBWay	Prototypes and assembly	RS-274X, Gerber X2
OSH Park	Quality prototypes	RS-274X
Seeed Fusion	Prototypes	RS-274X
AllPCB	Quick turn	RS-274X
Eurocircuits	European manufacturing	RS-274X, Gerber X2

Free Gerber Viewers

Viewer	Download/Access
Gerbv	gerbv.geda-project.org
KiCad GerbView	kicad.org
Online Reference Viewer	gerber-viewer.ucamco.com
FlatCAM	flatcam.org
ViewMate	pentalogix.com/viewmate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can CircuitLab export netlists for use in PCB design software?

No, CircuitLab does not currently support netlist export in any format. The platform is focused on circuit simulation and schematic visualization, not PCB design workflow integration. Users have requested this feature on the CircuitLab forums, but as of now, there’s no way to transfer schematic connectivity data from CircuitLab to external PCB layout tools. You’ll need to recreate your schematic in a PCB-capable tool to proceed with board design.

Is there a way to generate Gerber files directly from CircuitLab?

No, CircuitLab cannot generate Gerber files because it doesn’t include PCB layout functionality. Gerber files describe the physical layers of a circuit board, including copper traces, solder mask, and silkscreen. Since CircuitLab only handles schematic capture and simulation without any board layout features, there’s no physical design data to export. To get Gerber files, you need to use a dedicated PCB design tool like KiCad, EasyEDA, or Altium Designer.

What’s the fastest way to go from a CircuitLab design to a manufactured PCB?

The fastest path involves using a browser-based PCB tool like EasyEDA. Export your CircuitLab schematic as a PDF for reference, create a new project in EasyEDA, recreate your schematic using their component library, convert to PCB layout, complete the routing, and generate Gerber files. EasyEDA also offers direct ordering integration with JLCPCB, so you can go from design to order in a single platform. For simple circuits, this entire process can be completed in a few hours.

Are there any PCB tools similar to CircuitLab’s browser-based approach?

Yes, several PCB design tools offer browser-based interfaces similar to CircuitLab’s convenience. EasyEDA is the most popular option, providing schematic capture, simulation, PCB layout, and Gerber export all in a web browser. Upverter (owned by Altium) is another browser-based option with PCB capabilities. These tools eliminate software installation while providing the complete workflow from schematic to manufacturing files that CircuitLab lacks.

Should I abandon CircuitLab and use a different tool for my projects?

Not necessarily—it depends on your workflow needs. CircuitLab excels at circuit simulation with an intuitive interface and powerful analysis capabilities. If you frequently need to simulate circuits before committing to a PCB design, using CircuitLab for simulation and then transferring to a PCB tool is a valid workflow. However, if you want a single integrated environment from simulation through manufacturing, tools like EasyEDA, Altium Designer, or KiCad with ngspice offer that complete workflow in one package.

Conclusion

While CircuitLab cannot generate Gerber files directly, understanding this limitation helps you plan an effective design workflow. CircuitLab remains an excellent tool for circuit simulation and schematic capture, producing professional-quality documentation and helping you validate circuit behavior before committing to a physical design.

The practical workflow for CircuitLab users who need Gerber files involves exporting your schematic as a reference document, recreating the design in a PCB-capable tool like KiCad or EasyEDA, completing the board layout, and then generating manufacturing files from that tool.

For future projects where you know PCB fabrication is the end goal, consider starting directly in an integrated EDA platform that offers both simulation and PCB design. EasyEDA provides a browser-based experience similar to CircuitLab while adding the PCB layout and Gerber export capabilities you need.

Whatever path you choose, the simulation work you’ve done in CircuitLab isn’t wasted. You’ve validated your circuit’s behavior before investing time and money in physical prototypes, and that design verification remains valuable regardless of which tool ultimately generates your Gerber files.