If your design software includes a PCB-to-Gerber converter, you won’t have to use a Gerber-to-GCode converter or an open source tool like Gerbv. Any PCB-to-Gerber converter should allow you to export to the RS-274X and X2 formats. IPC-2581 is the other standard format, and your design software should export to this format if desired. This article looks at reverse-engineering a PCB layout directly from CAM files loaded into Altium Designer's CAM Editor (CAMtastic®). After importing CAM data into a CAM document, you will notice that the Export to PCB option is grayed-out, regardless of the current CAM Editor mode (CAM or NC).
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Do I have the right program?
If you don’t have a program installed on your computer that’s compatible with PCB files, you won’t be able to open one. See if you have one of the most common programs associated with PCB files listed below.
- P-CAD Database
- PowerPoint Application Data File
- Print Shop Deluxe Business Card
- Protel Technology Advanced PCB Design
- ExpressPCB Printed Circuit Board Layout
- CADSTAR Printed Circuit Board Design
- PC-Doctor File
- PCB Artist Printed Circuit Board file
- PADS Printed Circuit Board
- Unknown 3.0 Binary File
- PCB Layout Check Design Rule Template
- ACCEL or Protel Printed Circuit Board File
- Broderbund Print Shop Business Card
- Ivex Winboard Design File
- Unknown 4.0 Binary File
What type of file is it?
When you can’t open PCB files, try to figure out the file type. This can help you find the right program to open it. Usually, PCB files are considered Data Files. However, you can look up the file type to be sure. Start by right-clicking the file icon and clicking “Properties” (“More Info” if you’re on a Mac). Then look for the file type under “Type of File” (“Kind” on a Mac).
Can a developer help?
What Can Open Pcb Files
When you can’t open PCB files, a software developer might be able to help. The developers for the programs mentioned above are as follows:
| Software | Developer |
|---|---|
| P-CAD Database | Altium Limited |
| PowerPoint Application Data File | Microsoft Corporation |
| Print Shop Deluxe Business Card | Unknown |
| Protel Technology Advanced PCB Design | Windows Software |
| ExpressPCB Printed Circuit Board Layout | ExpressPCB |
| CADSTAR Printed Circuit Board Design | Quadra Solutions |
| PC-Doctor File | Unknown |
| PCB Artist Printed Circuit Board file | Advanced Circuits |
| PADS Printed Circuit Board | Mentor Graphics Corp. |
| Unknown 3.0 Binary File | Microsoft Developer |
| PCB Layout Check Design Rule Template | Top Tec PCB Ltd. |
| ACCEL or Protel Printed Circuit Board File | Microsoft Programmer |
| Broderbund Print Shop Business Card | PC Software Company |
| Ivex Winboard Design File | Microsoft Developer |
| Unknown 4.0 Binary File | Windows Programmer |
How To Open Pcb File Powerpoint
Try contacting one of these developers to find out how you can open your PCB file.
Can I use a universal file viewer?
A universal file viewer is the way to go when you have PCB files that can’t be opened by any other program. Install a universal file viewer like File Magic (Download) and see if it will open your PCB file. Remember that if your file is not compatible, the universal file viewer will only open it in binary format.
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