---
title: "Export & Manufacturing"
description: "Generate Gerber files, drill files, PDFs, SVGs, and thumbnails"
---

The export tools generate manufacturing and documentation files from your KiCad projects using `kicad-cli`. All exports run in batch mode without requiring a running KiCad instance.

## Quick reference

| Task | Example prompt |
|------|---------------|
| Export Gerbers | `Export Gerber files for my project at /path/to/project.kicad_pro` |
| Export drill files | `Export drill files for my project` |
| Export PDF | `Export a PDF of my PCB layout` |
| Generate SVG | `Generate an SVG render of my PCB` |
| Export schematic PDF | `Export a PDF of my schematic` |

## Gerber export

```
Export Gerber files for my project at /path/to/project.kicad_pro
```

The `export_gerbers` tool runs `kicad-cli pcb export gerbers` and writes output into a `gerbers/` subdirectory alongside the project. Returns the list of generated files and their paths.

Gerber files cover all standard layers: copper (front/back), solder mask, silkscreen, paste, and board outline.

## Drill file export

```
Export drill files for my project at /path/to/project.kicad_pro
```

The `export_drill` tool runs `kicad-cli pcb export drill` and writes output to the `gerbers/` subdirectory (following the common convention of co-locating drill files with Gerbers for fab submission).

## PDF export

```
Export a PDF of my PCB layout at /path/to/project.kicad_pro
```

The `export_pdf` tool supports both PCB and schematic exports:

- **PCB PDF**: `export_pdf` with `file_type="pcb"` (default)
- **Schematic PDF**: `export_pdf` with `file_type="schematic"`

Or use the dedicated schematic PDF export with additional options:

```
Export a black-and-white PDF of my schematic
```

The `export_schematic_pdf` tool provides options for black-and-white output and background exclusion.

## SVG generation

```
Generate an SVG render of my PCB at /path/to/project.kicad_pro
```

The `generate_pcb_svg` tool uses `kicad-cli pcb export svg` to produce a multi-layer SVG of the board. The SVG content is returned as a string so the caller can display or save it.

## PCB thumbnails

The SVG export effectively serves as a PCB thumbnail. When viewing the output, you will typically see:

- Board outline (Edge.Cuts layer)
- Copper layers (F.Cu and B.Cu)
- Silkscreen layers (F.SilkS and B.SilkS)
- Mask layers (F.Mask and B.Mask)
- Component outlines and reference designators

### Tips for best visual results

1. **Ensure KiCad is properly installed** -- the export tools rely on kicad-cli
2. **Use absolute paths** to avoid path resolution issues
3. **Define a board outline** (Edge.Cuts layer) for proper visualization
4. **Use the latest KiCad version** for best compatibility

## Manufacturing workflow

A typical flow for preparing manufacturing files:

1. Run [DRC](/guides/drc/) to verify the design has no violations
2. Export Gerber files
3. Export drill files
4. Generate a PDF for visual review
5. Check the [BOM](/guides/bom/) for component availability
6. Submit the `gerbers/` directory to your PCB fabricator

## Integration uses

- **Project browsing** -- generate SVGs for all projects to visually identify them
- **Documentation** -- include PCB renders in project docs
- **Design review** -- use PDFs and SVGs to discuss layouts without opening KiCad

## Troubleshooting

### Export fails

1. Verify `kicad-cli` is available in your PATH or set `KICAD_CLI_PATH`
2. Check that the project file exists and contains a valid PCB or schematic
3. Ensure write permissions in the output directory
4. Check server logs for detailed error messages

### No thumbnail generated

1. Check that the project contains a valid `.kicad_pcb` file
2. Ensure the PCB has a defined board outline (Edge.Cuts layer)

### Low quality output

1. Ensure the PCB has a properly defined board outline
2. Update to the latest KiCad version for improved CLI export quality