Preparing Manufacturing Data in KiCAD

Before exporting manufacturing data, ensure you have set a correct zero reference point. Typically, the lower-left corner is used, though the upper-left corner is occasionally chosen.

To set the zero reference point in KiCAD, select the tool Place origin point from drill files and component placement files in the right sidebar.

• Note: This tool is often hidden behind the tool Place the grid origin point.

Exporting Gerber Files

To export Gerber files in KiCAD, follow these steps:

1. Open the project you want to export in KiCAD.
2. Click on File > Fabrication Outputs > Gerbers (.gbr).
   
3. In the "Plot" window, select all layers you want to export.
4. (Optional) Select Generate Gerber job file to minimize the information required later in our software.
   
5. Choose the output directory and click Plot.

Exporting Bill of Materials (BOM)

To export a Bill of Materials (BOM) in KiCAD, follow these steps:

1. Open the project you want to export in KiCAD.
2. Click on File > Fabrication Outputs > Bill of Materials (BoM).
3. Select a file location and file name for the BOM and click Save.

Exporting Component Positioning (CPL)

To export a Component Placement List (CPL) in KiCAD, follow these steps:

1. Open the project you want to export in KiCAD.
2. Click on File > Fabrication Outputs > Component Placement (.pos, .gbr).
   
3. Select CSV as the format.
   
4. Choose Single file for board under the Files section.
5. Select an output directory and click Generate Position File.

Exporting Drill Holes

To export drill hole data in KiCAD, follow these steps:

1. Open the project you want to export in KiCAD.
2. Click on File > Fabrication Outputs > Drill Files (.drl).
   
3. Select Drill/place file origin as the Drill Origin.
   
4. Choose Millimeters as the Drill Units.
5. Select an output directory and click Generate Drill File.