jim:
You can import Gerbers files into the pcb editor.
Dave - WB6DHW
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On 12/17/2022 2:28 AM, Jim Pruitt via groups.io wrote:
Can anyone tell me how to correctly merge 2 GBR files into one file?? I have a project from a web site.? The designer sent me the gerbers but the project lacks a top solder mask.? Also when the designer made the original boards 15 years ago he split the top layer into 2 separate files.? Since the top layer is MOSTLY ground plane (but not completely) I could not figure out why he has a ground.gbr which is the top layer ground plane but also has a compside.gbr for the 3 or 4 runs that do not tie to that top ground plane.? He used a pcb program from that time but I had never heard of it.? As you might guess,? no board house I found would even touch that.? JLCPCB finally told me to go back and put that top layer into one file and then resubmit it.? I have Kicad 6.? The designer did not share his project file or any schematic file.? The gerbers consisted of the bottom layer (solder.gbr) and a solder mask for that bottom layer (mask.gbr) and then the 2 top layer files (compside.gbr and ground.gbr).? I was hoping I could take a text editor (Notepad++) and merge/combine those 2 top layer gerber files but not sure what I am doing or how to do it.? I did some comparison and both files started out with the same 20 or so first items but then some items were different after that.? The board is a 2 layer board for through hole components so no smt parts involved.
Also how can I make the top layer solder mask be created since none was included?? Or is it even possible without having the schematic file and a complete project?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Jim Pruitt
