CAD and CAM systems are often produced by different companies, so, it is necessary to agree on a CAD-to-CAM data exchange format. ODB++ is such a format and arguably the closest to a global industry standard. Developed and released by Valor Computerized Systems, Ltd. in 1995, it was and still is continuously improving to meet the evolving needs of PCB designers, fabricators, and assemblers.

In 1997 together with component names the ++ suffix was added in reference to C++ and in 2000 development of an XML version started, which ended in 2008 when this new ODB++ format, called ODB++(X), was donated to the Association Connecting Electronics Industries (IPC) in an attempt to merge GenCAM (IPC-2511) and ODB++ into a new format called IPC-2581. ODB++ is the de facto standard for intelligent PCB data exchange containing all data necessary to fabricate, assemble and test in a single hierarchical file structure which makes it superior to the only format more popular: Gerber.

Some of the major benefits of ODB++ include:

• minimization of supply-chain risks related to data transfer errors and potential introduction of errors through integration of data from different sources (both occurring because of different interpretation of various file formats)
• enabling shorter processing times and the highest-possible levels of automation
• supported by all major vendors of CAD, DFM and CAM tools

The aforementioned reasons explain why ODB++ is the standard format of PCB-Investigator, which is always used internally even if the data were imported in a different format.

AutoCAD DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) is a widespread file exchange format for CAD data developed by Autodesk, Inc., that enables vector data exchange as well as 2D and 3D graphics drawing. Originally introduced in December 1982 as part of AutoCAD 1.0, it was intended to provide an exact representation of the data in the AutoCAD native file format DWG (Drawing), but since Autodesk didn't publish its specifications until many years later, correct imports of DXF files have been a problem since the beginning. Another problem is that DXF typically is dimensionless meaning it doesn't provide all necessary information to permit interoperability with other programs. That's why it's essential that the viewer knows the unit that was used to produce the drawings. With AutoCAD supporting more complex data types over the years, DXF has become less useful but due to its good documentation and with being the lowest common denominator of all CAD based systems, it is still quite popular and therefore also supported by PCB-Investigator.

Among ODB++ and IPC-2581 GenCAD is one of the most important file formats for PCBs. The primary focus of the GenCAD standard rests on fabrication and testing. GenCAD contains all information about a PCB ranging from net, component and route information, to complete layer setups in a single file which provides additional protection from data loss.

In some software you have export options, for a good result (e.g. for bottom side components) use e.g. this setting in target software:

(angle counter clockwise and no flip option)

The Intermediate Data Format (IDF) is a 3D CAD data exchange format which is specifically designed for the import and export of PCB data. It consists of two files, a component library (* .emn) and a layer assembly file (* .emp). The component library file contains information about the PCB dimensions (PCB outline), the position and orientation of the components, the position of the mounting holes, cutouts and the barrier areas, the layer assembly file contains information about the file dimensions and the height of the individual components.

CC/CCZ is the native format of CAMCAD Professional

Gerber is an open ASCII vector format for 2D binary images, which allows a smooth data exchange between CAD (development) and CAM (production), since it can be imported as well as exported by all current CAD and all common CAM programs. It is particularly used to output the layout data for printed circuit boards. However, it must be noted that the Gerber format can only contain one layer per file, so multilayer PCBs must be recorded in several Gerber files. The RS-274-X extension is a two-dimensional bi-level vector-oriented image description format that includes coordinates and commands and contains a complete, unambiguous description of a circuit board. Since the format does not describe which position is displayed, it is recommended making the filename visible in the layer function . Although the export of the format provides a list of all component connections to networks and bores, no components and network data are supported. This deficiency can, however, be offset by using the IPC-D-356 network list.

If you search for instructions how to modify gerber data to run analysis and exports see this page.

A '.fab' file is the native format of 'Cadence Allegro Fabmaster', or of 'FABmaster'.  Both tools export '.fab' files, but with different content and definitions. PCB-Investigator can import both.

The Sieb & Meyer format - as well as the Excellon format; they only in a few details - was created to operate CNC drilling and milling machines. Therefore, it supports only simple attributes and drill tool definitions and is primarily used to output drill information, like for example the diameter of the holes. As a rule, each drill file also requires a separate tool file, which indicates the diameter of the tool used.

STEP (short for "Standard for the Exchange of Product model data") is a popular exchange format connecting the world of electronics and mechanics. Usually it is used to share 3D models between users with different CAD systems. STEP goes beyond the simple exchange of gemoetry like DXF and IGES. You can integrate all forms of CAD data models (wire, surface and volume models) in the geometry description.

Eagle (short for Easily Applicable Graphical Layout Editor) is the native format of Autodesks schematic editor (also named Eagle) for designing PCBs. 

In many cases PCB-Investigator offers the possibility of exporting data in different file formats - e.g. as lists for MS Excel, TXT, as well as detailed descriptions in MS Word or HTML - as reports. Though no real output format, reports contain valuable information for identifying potentially problematic areas. Please refer to the plugin description section in this manual for further information.

IPC-2581 ("Offspring") is the result of the aforementioned attempt to merge GenCAM with ODB++(X). Like its predecessor ODB++(X) too is XML based. Contrary to ODB++ however IPC-2581 is a common free format which is developed by 40 enterprises under the leadership of Cadence Design Systems and which specifications can be downloaded freely. In 2011 an industry consortium was created to support the development of IPC-2581, a step at least partly motivated by the fear the more popular ODB++ format could be vendor locked by Mentor at some point. These 40 companies include big names like Fujitsu, Nvidia, Cisco,... which see the big potential of the standard to prevent data transmission errors and of course save costs. Even Ucamco, the owners of the Gerber format, and finally also Mentor, the current owners of ODB++, joined the consortium.

IPC-2581 contains data about the layer structure, copper structures per layer, assembly order, material information, drill data and test points with the names of their corresponding network names and components including coordinates and rotation values for the placement. Furthermore, IPC-2581 promises to be able to document all necessary steps in one consistent record.

IPC-D-356 is an electrical test format, traditionally used to supplement Gerber files with netlist descriptions. It was originally designed to define a standard netlist format by which bare board test information can be represented. That means storing netlist information along with XY coordinates as well as referencing pins and other components. Done right IPC-D-356 contains all information a test system would need to perform a bare board check in a single consistent file.

The AVL (Approved Vendor List) is a supplement file, which contains a list of all approved and debarred manufacturers of all PCB components. There can be multiple approved manufacturers for one component. The various approved manufacturers are usually determined by strict criteria (e.g. quality, delivery capability, delivery times, cost intensity,...) defined by the purchasing department.