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.
The Gerber Export Dialog has many options:
1) Layers to Export can switch between "All Layers", "All Active Layers" and one selected Layer
2) You can set the number format, if you have to less trailing digits it will warn you e.g. for inexact arc.
3) Unit (Metric for mm output or Imperial for Inch output)
4) Other Options to add X2/X3 properties like layer type or net information.
5) File Name can start with the layer index to recreate the layer stackup, add the layer type to set the matrix information and use Pre Fix and your own extension.
6/7) are options how to handle removed objects e.g. flatten or repeat them. In Gerber X2 it is also possible to use Block Aperutes.
8) Additional Options:
- Export only Selected Objects to filter only some objects
- Add PCB Outline to create the profile in output file(s).
- Mirror Output e.g. for bottom side.
- Use Feature Ignore Attribute, to ignore elements e.g. all objects outside the profile has the ignore attribute.
- Export All Layers in one File, mean combine output in one file.