RS-274X Gerber Files for China PCB Fabrication
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RS-274X is the extended Gerber format that carries aperture definitions inline, and it's still the most common way to send copper, mask, and silkscreen data to Chinese PCB fabs. The classic mistake is sending the old RS-274D format, which separates aperture data and leads to misread pad sizes — modern fabs expect RS-274X or the newer Gerber X2/IPC-2581. Pair the Gerbers with an Excellon drill file and a clear fab note, or the factory will guess at stackup and finish.
Sending RS-274X files means the fab gets self-contained copper data, but you still must specify board thickness, copper weight, finish, and layer stackup separately. A common pitfall is omitting these notes and accepting whatever default the fab applies.
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FAQ
Should I send RS-274X or RS-274D Gerbers to a Chinese fab?
Always RS-274X (or Gerber X2). RS-274D stores aperture data in a separate file and is error-prone; many modern CAM systems no longer read it cleanly, risking wrong pad and trace sizes.
What files do I need besides Gerbers for PCB fabrication?
At minimum an Excellon drill file and a fab drawing or note specifying board thickness, copper weight, surface finish, and stackup. Without these the factory defaults its own parameters, which may not match your design.
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