Gerbv

Gerbv is a feature-rich software utility that you can use to view Gerber files, namely those those with the RS-274X format. It features several handy tools which should meet the requirements of users' preferences.

The installation procedure does not take a long time to finish, and it sports only familiar settings. When it comes to the interface, Gerbv opts for a regular window with a plain and simple structure, where you can open Gerber files easily, as well as drill, pick or place them.

It is possible to analyze visible or drill Gerber layers, view properties for the currently selected object or delete it, modify the layer orientation and rendering mode, zoom in and out, change the background color, save the active layer, as well as export the projects to PNG, PDF, SVG, PostScript, RS-274X or Excellon drill files. Messages can be examined in a separate window, and it is possible to launch benchmarks to test the Gerber files. Pointer, pan, zoom and measure tools are available too.

The program has minimal impact on computer performance, since it runs on low CPU and memory. It has a good response time to commands. However, the app crashed on multiple occasions in our tests while we were tinkering with the settings. We should also keep in mind that Gerbv has not been updated for a very long time, and it most likely has compatibility problems with newer Windows versions.

Although Gerbv comes packed with some handy settings for viewing Gerber files, users should resort to a stabler application that can perform the same job.