Gerber to DXF Converter

gerber-to-dxf.py extracts board outline geometry and mounting holes from Gerber/Excellon manufacturing files in the current folder, then writes them to a DXF file in millimeters.

Note: The script does not convert traces, footprints, text, or other PCB artwork into DXF.

The script automatically:

• Detects the board outline Gerber from *-Edge_Cuts.gbr, RS-274X profile Gerbers, or P-CAD Gerbers that contain an embedded Board layer.
• Detects drill files (*-PTH.drl, *-NPTH.drl, or generic .drl / .DRL drill files).
• Converts the board outline (lines/arcs) to DXF layer OUTLINE.
• Converts drill hits within a selected diameter range to circles on DXF layer MOUNTING_HOLES.
• Writes output as <project>-outline-mounting-holes.dxf.

For P-CAD 2004 RS-274-D output, the script:

• Reads the embedded Board Gerber layer instead of using the whole copper/artwork layer.
• Handles modal Gerber draw commands (D01 / D02 / D03) correctly.
• Uses the Gerber numeric format as a fallback hint for zero-suppressed drill coordinates.

Command-Line Options

• --min <mm>: Optional minimum hole diameter in millimeters.
  • Default: 3.0
  • Example: --min 2.5
• --max <mm>: Optional maximum hole diameter in millimeters.
  • Default: no maximum
  • Example: --max 4.0

Usage

Run commands from the folder that contains your Gerber and drill files.

Windows

cd "C:\path\to\your\Gerbers"
python gerber-to-dxf.py
python gerber-to-dxf.py --min 2.5
python gerber-to-dxf.py --min 2.5 --max 4.0

macOS

cd "/path/to/your/Gerbers"
python3 gerber-to-dxf.py
python3 gerber-to-dxf.py --min 2.5
python3 gerber-to-dxf.py --min 2.5 --max 4.0

Linux

cd "/path/to/your/Gerbers"
python3 gerber-to-dxf.py
python3 gerber-to-dxf.py --min 2.5
python3 gerber-to-dxf.py --min 2.5 --max 4.0

Output Summary

On a normal run, the script currently prints command-line help text and then:

• Output filename
• Number of outline entities
• Number of holes that met the selected diameter filter
• Hole diameters used

Compatibility

Tested with:

• KiCad 9.0 generated Gerber/Excellon files
• P-CAD 2004 RS-274-D Gerber output with embedded Board layers and zero-suppressed Excellon drill files

Note: All the work in this repository update was AI generated.

Images