Gerber X2

[djacobow]

So, I see that there is a new gerber format a couple of years ago called "Gerber X2". It does various things, like put metadata into the files saying what they are (copper 1, copper 2, etc) so you don't have to take pains to name the files with their purpose -- though it looks like you still need multiple files (what were they thinking?!)  It can also integrate the drill information, rather than having a separate Excelon file.

Anyway, who is accepting Gerber X2 files so far? It looks like Eurocircuits, Bay Area Circuits, Advanced Circuits all do. But the cheapie Chinese guys that I use, not so much.

[rob.manderson]

I found that Elecrow can accept X2 format but require a separate drill file.

ALLPCB can't accept X2 format (as of about 6 weeks ago).  Resent using non X2 gerbers and a separate drill file (DRL extension) and all was well.

[Omgitskillah]

I am pretty sure WellPCB accepts the X2 format. They have a Chinese branch as well and are very reasonably priced.

[wbiliet]

Ucamco, custodian of the Gerber format, offers a free Reference Gerber Viewer to the Gerber community.
Supported file formats are Gerber (X1 and X2), Excellon (with tool header), DXF and IPC-256.
The link is https://gerber.ucamco.com/
On our Downloads page (https://www.ucamco.com/en/downloads) you can always find the latest version of the Gerber File Format Specification

Companies like Eurocircuits, Bay Area Circuits and Advanced Circuits use our UcamX and/or Integr8tor software and are familiar with Gerber X2.
AllPCB and WellPCB are informed about our products and services but need more time to adapt to new standards.

I am available should you have any questions regarding the Reference Gerber Viewer.
For questions regarding the Gerber file format please use gerber@ucamco.com

Werner Biliet
Ucamco Marketing Communications Manager
werner.biliet@ucamco.com