Files required for a PCB fabrication quote
Use a single released package rather than sending unrelated revisions in separate messages. Confirm the fabrication format accepted for your project before transferring files. Gerber layer data and drill outputs describe different manufacturing information; a picture or PDF drawing alone is not a substitute for the complete manufacturing data.
| Input | What to include | Resolve before quotation |
|---|---|---|
| Fabrication data | Gerber or a fabrication format agreed for the project | Layer identity, board outline, units and current revision |
| Drill data | Hole and slot outputs with plating requirements | Plated/non-plated separation, units and matching geometry |
| Fabrication drawing | Dimensions, tolerances, finish and special notes | Conflicts between drawing notes and generated outputs |
| Stack-up and material | Layer construction, thickness and specified material requirements | Which details are fixed and which may be proposed for approval |
| Copper and surfaces | Required copper definition, solder mask and surface finish | Finished requirements versus any starting-material assumption |
| Electrical verification | Bare-board test and impedance requirements where applicable | Method, acceptance limits and requested evidence |
| Order context | Board quantity, delivery format, target date and destination | Individual boards versus panels and shipment expectations |
If components must also be mounted, add the BOM, placement data, assembly drawings and test inputs for that separate scope. Do not make a bare-board buyer prepare assembly files for an unpopulated order.
State stack-up requirements without hiding assumptions
A PCB stack-up quotation needs more than a layer count. Identify the permitted material system, finished thickness, copper requirements and any electrical or mechanical constraints. If the stack-up is not frozen, label it as proposed and identify which requirements the supplier must preserve while reviewing a manufacturing option.
| Requirement | Buyer supplies | Approval question |
|---|---|---|
| Layer construction | Number and order of conductive and dielectric layers | Is the supplied stack fixed or open to a documented proposal? |
| Material | Specified grade or required properties | Who may approve a different material and on what evidence? |
| Finished thickness | Target and applicable tolerances | Does the proposed construction meet mechanical interfaces? |
| Copper | Required layers and finished copper criteria | Are the quoted and drawn definitions consistent? |
| Special features | Vias, holes, thermal or isolation needs relevant to the design | Which features need project-specific feasibility confirmation? |
Do not invent the manufacturer's dimensional limits or assume that a generic HDI, heavy-copper or material label proves your specific design is feasible. Record unresolved requirements in the RFQ and request a project-specific response on the capability review.
Controlled impedance PCB quote checklist
If impedance matters, identify the controlled layers or nets, the intended structures, the target values and permitted tolerances. State whether the supplied geometry and stack-up are fixed or whether a proposed adjustment requires approval. Review needs depend on the actual design; this page provides no default impedance target or guaranteed tolerance.
- Identify each controlled single-ended or differential requirement where relevant.
- Supply the target, tolerance, relevant layers and geometry or design references.
- State material and thickness constraints that must not change without approval.
- Agree any stack-up or geometry proposal and who may accept it.
- Define coupon, measurement/report requirements and acceptance criteria if required.
- Keep bare-board net testing distinct from impedance verification and assembled-product testing.
Ask the quotation to state the verified scope and any excluded requirements. A general statement that a board is electrically tested does not by itself establish that the requested impedance verification is included.
Check generated data before sharing it
- 01
Release
Name one board revision and remove obsolete outputs.
- 02
Export
Generate all required layers and drill data using the intended units.
- 03
Inspect
View the combined outputs and check outline, holes and layer identities.
- 04
Confirm
Reconcile data, drawing, stack-up and order instructions.
KiCad's version-specific documentation separates plotting, drill output and component-placement output. Follow the documentation for your actual CAD version and check its generated outputs; the linked KiCad 9.0 manual is an example reference, not a claim that every buyer uses that version or that every export option is accepted by VeriPCB.
Define single-board quantity and the delivery format clearly if a panel is involved. Also distinguish quotation review from production release: a quote based on preliminary data should identify what must be approved before manufacture.
Questions about bare-board quotation inputs
Do I need a BOM for a bare PCB fabrication quote?
Not for an unpopulated board as a general quotation requirement. A BOM and placement data become relevant when component sourcing or assembly is included. State the order scope so fabrication and assembly inputs are not mixed.
Is a layer count enough to quote a controlled-impedance PCB?
No. Provide the applicable construction, material and thickness constraints, controlled features, target values, tolerances and verification requirements. Proposed changes need the agreed approval process.
Can I send only a drawing or a board image?
A drawing can state specifications but does not replace complete manufacturing outputs. Confirm the accepted fabrication and drill format for your project and provide a revision-consistent package.
Technical references
Use the applicable standard revision and the component manufacturer's documentation when defining your requirements.
Check my bare-board quotation package
Describe the board revision, layer count, quantity, material, finish and any controlled-impedance requirements. Do not upload confidential design files here; agree a suitable transfer method first.
Request a bare PCB review