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After completing the PCB Design in KiCad, the final step is to generate the Gerber files and drill files. These files are then sent to the PCB manufacturer, who fabricates the PCB based on the provided data.

This article uses the demo project included with KiCad. All steps were tested in KiCad version 9.0. If you are using a different version of KiCad, there may be minor differences in the process.

Exporting Gerber Files

• Open the PCB Editor (PCB Layout Editor）

• From the top menu, go to: File → Plot

• Set up Gerber options

After clicking, the Gerber setup window will appear as shown in the following image. Please refer to the image below for the settings.

• Click "Plot" to export

Click on the "Plot" button at the bottom of the window. All generated Gerber files will be placed in the target folder you specified earlier. If there are expired zone fills and you forgot to refill them, when you have checked the "Check zone fills before plotting" option, KiCad will prompt you for confirmation. Simply click on "Refill", and the file generation process will continue.

Tips: To avoid some potential manufacturing issues, it is strongly recommended to perform a DRC (Design Rule Check) before exporting Gerber files.

Exporting Drill Files

In the Gerber generation window, click on "Generate Drill Files..." located in the bottom right corner.

This will open the Drill file settings window, as shown in the image below. Please refer to the image for the settings. 

Exporting the BOM (Bill of Materials)

• Open the Schematic Editor

• From the menu: Tools → Generate BOM

• Select CSV/Excel format for export.

Exporting Pick-and-Place Files (Component Placement Data)

• Open the PCB Editor

• From the menu：File → Fabrication Outputs → Component Placement (.pos)

• Select CSV format for output.

By carefully preparing these outputs from your PCB Design, you ensure a smooth handoff to the PCB manufacturer, reducing errors and controlling Manufacturing Cost.