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What Is .BRD File

The document discusses .BRD files, which are design files used for printed circuit board (PCB) layouts. A .BRD file contains the schematic of a PCB design including components and can be opened using PCB design software like EAGLE, KiCad, or Allegro. Several methods are provided for opening a .BRD file, including using the original design software, universal file viewers, or online viewers. Common uses of .BRD files include storing PCB designs created with various CAD software.

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39 views

What Is .BRD File

The document discusses .BRD files, which are design files used for printed circuit board (PCB) layouts. A .BRD file contains the schematic of a PCB design including components and can be opened using PCB design software like EAGLE, KiCad, or Allegro. Several methods are provided for opening a .BRD file, including using the original design software, universal file viewers, or online viewers. Common uses of .BRD files include storing PCB designs created with various CAD software.

Uploaded by

jack
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

What is .BRD File


PCB design may demand the integration of designs from several sources. It is
important to ensure PCB designs are saved in the right file. If you are experiencing
some problems opening your .BRD file, this article is for you. This article seeks to
discuss the .BRD file and its uses. Also, we will discuss the uses of these files and
how to handle them.

Table of Contents

What is a .brd File?

A .brd file is a software created to make design templates for circuitry. It is a


BorderMaker file. The Autodesk EAGLE created the .brd file. You can save .brd files
in the Gerber drill data format. .BRD files are design files that comprise designs
compatible with Gerber files. Also, a .BRD file comprises a PCB drawing.

EAGLE circuit board files are files saved in a BRD extension format. EAGLE PCB
design software utilizes these BRD files. Also, any software that creates PCB designs
is referred to as CAD software. The EAGLE software is a good example of these
programs. EAGLE simply means Easily Applicable Graphical Layout Editor.

A BRD file features a PCB drawing. Several manufacturers and developers encode
these BRD files in their proprietary formats. Therefore, third-party programs can’t
open them. For instance, EAGLE encodes a BRD file as binary data or XML.
However, KiCad saves its PCB layouts as plain text. A boardview is an example
of .brd file. It is schematics of a PCB, its components, and more. Also,
OpenBoardview can visualize the majority of BRD boardviews. Smart Charts Drug
Development Suite use BRD as its data transfer format.

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Easy Ways to Open a .brd File

There are several ways to open a .brd file. Follow this process:

Choose the right program

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You need to select the appropriate program to open a .brd file. You can use any of the
programs listed below to open a .brd file.

 Winning Bridge Saved Hand


 WinBoard Project
 RPG Toolkit Board Design File
 Allegro
 EAGLE Layout Editor Board File
 Pharmaceuticals Data Transfer Format
 BizInt Smart Charts for

Note the File Type

You may open your .brd file with other programs. However, this depends on the file
type. The file type is always listed in the properties of the file. All you need to do is to
right-click the file on your PCB. Then select “properties” and check for “Type of
File.”

If you are using a MAC computer, just right-click the file, select “More Info,” then
check under “Kind”.

Ask the Developer

Also, you can contact the software developer. This is another way to open a BRD
file. Also, getting the developers for the programs used to open BRD files could be of
help.

Make use of a Universal File Viewer

If all the above-mentioned methods don’t work for you, a universal file viewer is a
reliable way to open a BRD file. The File Magic can open different types of files.
However, this depends on the format. Also, some files may not work with these
programs. Your .brd file will open in binary format if it isn’t compatible.

What is a File Extension?

A file extension is always at the end of a filename. It is a set of three or four


characters. .brd. File extensions indicate the file type and inform Windows what
programs can open it. There is always a default program to each file extension. Also,
the program automatically launches anytime you double-click the file. When the

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program is not on your computer, you can get an error when opening the associated
file.

.BRD File Viewer Websites

There are a couple of.brd file viewer websites. However, not all of these websites
allow you to view .brd files for free. .BRD files comprise designs compatible with
Gerber files. There are several online tools where you can view Gerbel files. This isn’t
the case when it comes to .BRD files. Below are a few websites that can open .BRD
files.

Altium Viewer

This is a free .BRD file viewer website. Altium viewer helps you to upload a .BRD
file. However, this online tool doesn’t provide you with editing options. The .BRD
file can only be uploaded and viewed in a read-only-mode. Also, you can zoom the
design to have a clear view of various components. Altium viewer doesn’t require you
to pay any fee or sign up.

Download the Altium viewer link and upload a .BRD file. However, this website
doesn’t support .BRD files. It only allows you to open and view a .BRD file without
any installation. Also, you can view the details of different components in the PCB
design you are viewing.

EasyEDA

EasyEDA is another reliable free online tool that allows you to open and view .BRD
files. Unlike Altium viewer, you can upload a library .BRD file on this viewer. Also,
it will open the file in an editable workspace. This online tool allows you to make
changes in the BRD file.

If you want to save changes, you will need to export the .BRD file in a different
format like PNG, EasyEDA and others. Also, you will need to open a free account to
use EasyEDA.

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Programs that Can Open and Convert .BRD Files

Allegro

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This is PCB design and simulation software. A PCB design created with Allegro is
saved in .BRD file.

KiCad

This is an open source electronics design software. This program saves PCB layouts
in .BRD files.

RPG Toolkit

RPG Toolkit designed by Christopher Matthews is an application development


platform for creating 2D role-playing games. The .BRD files save boards utilized in
games created with RPG Toolkit.

OpenBoardview

This open source program is specifically designed for viewing electronic


circuit schematics saved in different formats. Also, it can open electronic schematics
saved in different formats like ASC and GAD.

Altium Designer

This is PCB design and analysis software. The .BRD file is a file type that stores PCB
designs created by Altium Designer.

Conclusion

This article has shed more light in .BRD files and how to open it. Also, it discussed
the importance of the .BRD file in PCB designs.

Related Posts:

1. What Is .ART File Viewer?

2. How to Generate Bom and Centroid File from Altium ?

3. The Method to Generate Centroid File and BOM from KiCAD

4. Hybrid Material PCB Circuit Board

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