Getting Started with PCB Preflight Desktop Software

The Ask for Help box allows anyone to type in a question (or keywords). Both ACE and FAB 3000 will search 1000's of posts to quickly find answers. This is a resource that has been part of our software since day one, but not everyone is aware of this feature.

View the tutorial movie below showing how easy and fast it is to find answers to your questions:

AutoLoad Wizard will automatically import all Gerber, Excellon Drill/Rout, and Netlist files found within a selected folder. This makes importing multiple files a snap, and eliminates the time needed to load each file separately.

To use AutoLoad:

1. Go to menu: File | Import | AutoLoad...
2. Select the folder where your gerbers and drills are located.
3. Click Next, and FAB 3000 will scan all files in the directory. All detected gerbers, aperture lists and drills will be displayed. If you approve, go ahead and click next. All files will be imported.

ODB++ Import: Go to menu: File | Import | ODB++.

Here's an online tutorial demonstration how to import an ODB++ file and skip any unnecessary layers:

FAB 3000 lets you easily merge different PCB designs together so they can be manufactured as 'one set of Gerber files' — saving you $$$ on fabrication costs.

Here's a sample tutorial demonstrating how to Panelize a PCB:

DFM Check: Go to menu: Tools / Nets / DFM / DFM Check...

Find all hidden manufacturing violations inside your gerber data BEFORE sending them out to manufacturing!

Here's a sample tutorial demonstrating how to run DFM Checks:

Netlist Comparison: Go to menu: Tools / Nets / Netlist Comparison

Ensure Your Design Integrity. Nowadays there is an ever growing need to verify PCB designs electrically.

Here's a sample tutorial demonstrating how to run Netlist Comparison:

Get Better Manufacturing Results with PCB Realistic Preview.

Gerber Viewers are great for viewing your PCB manufacturing files… but what about having one that can quickly generate a "real-world" photo image of your PCB design. Besides seeing your design before you manufacture - a Realistic Preview can also reveal many hidden flaws that otherwise would be difficult to see while viewing the vector data.

This tutorial demonstrates how to perform a realistic PCB Preview, View Nets, and checkout Panel NC Routs/Tabs.

Did you know? FAB 3000 is available on monthly subscription that allows 3 users to run the software from any computer and can be cancelled anytime.

Many people use our popular Numerical Cloud subscription for a temporary and cost-effective solution. Why wait? Sign up now and instantly get your registered license key. Click below for more information about Numerical Cloud:

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