--- title: "PostScript and PDF Conversions Guide | Convert to Gerber, GDSII, NC | Numerical Innovations" description: "Learn how to accurately convert PostScript and PDF files to Gerber, GDSII, NC, and more manufacturing formats using FAB 3000 and ACE 2D/3D Translator." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Numerical Innovations Inc.", "url": "https://www.numericalinnovations.com", "logo": "https://numericalinnovations.com/logo.png", "description": "Leading solutions for CAM, DFM, and 3D Software. Discover FAB 3000, ACE 2D/3D Translator, EasyGerb, and Numerical Cloud for engineering-grade precision.", "sameAs": [], "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "Customer Service", "email": "support@numericalinnovations.com" }, "hasOfferCatalog": { "@type": "OfferCatalog", "name": "CAD/CAM Software Products", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "Product", "name": "FAB 3000", "description": "The Ultimate CAM Tool for PCB Manufacturing with advanced DFM analysis, Gerber, ODB++ IPC-2581 support", "category": "CAM Software" }, { "@type": "Product", "name": "ACE 2D/3D Translator", "description": "CAD Conversion Tool for DWG, DXF, STEP file conversion and translation", "category": "CAD Conversion Software" }, { "@type": "Product", "name": "EasyGerb for AutoCAD", "description": "Instant Gerber Output from AutoCAD with seamless integration", "category": "AutoCAD Plugin" }, { "@type": "Product", "name": "Numerical Cloud Subscription", "description": "Cloud-based software management with single activation code for unlimited computers", "category": "Software Management" } ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "HowTo", "name": "How to Convert PostScript and PDF Files to Gerber, GDSII, and NC Formats", "description": "Complete guide for converting PostScript and PDF files to manufacturing formats using FAB 3000 and ACE 2D/3D Translator with Ghostscript setup.", "step": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Get Free Trial Software", "text": "Download free trial of FAB 3000 or ACE 2D/3D Translator" }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Install Ghostscript", "text": "Install Ghostscript versions 7, 8, and 9 for optimal compatibility" }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Select Ghostscript Version", "text": "Choose the best Ghostscript version for your conversion needs" }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Configure Import Options", "text": "Set up layer mapping, path conversion, fill modes, and text output options" } ] } ] --- We use cookies and analytics to improve your experience. By clicking "Accept", you consent to our use of cookies. [Learn more](/privacy-policy) DeclineAccept [🔁 Lifetime Support user? Click here for downloads](/lifetime-support-downloads) [![Numerical Innovations](/assets/ni-logo-C3u5Pfq2.png)](/) - Products - Support - Download - [Online Viewer](/free-gerber-viewer) [About](/about-us)[Blog](/blog) Toggle theme [Order Now](/order-now) Toggle theme Toggle menu # PostScript and PDF Conversions 101 Convert any PDF or PostScript file to Gerber, GDSII, NC, and more manufacturing formats Use any graphics software tool like Adobe Illustrator to layout unique electronic designs, save as PDF or PostScript, and accurately convert them to industry-standard manufacturing formats. ## Get Started in 4 Simple Steps 1 ### Get Your Free Trial Start with a free trial of FAB 3000 or ACE 2D/3D Translator to begin converting your PostScript and PDF files. [ACE 2D/3D Translator Free Trial ](/ace-2d-3d-translator)[FAB 3000 Free Trial ](/fab-3000) 2 ### Ghostscript Setup Install Ghostscript, a free PostScript interpreter essential for processing vector objects in your files. We recommend installing multiple versions for optimal compatibility. [Ghostscript Version 7 ](https://documents-wytr234tqwqt2w.s3.amazonaws.com/gs705w32.exe)[Ghostscript Version 8 ](https://documents-wytr234tqwqt2w.s3.amazonaws.com/gs853w32.exe)[Ghostscript Version 9 ](https://documents-wytr234tqwqt2w.s3.amazonaws.com/gs905w32.exe) 3 ### Choose Best Version Our software detects all Ghostscript installations and lets you select which version works best for your specific conversion needs. Text Rendering: Try different versions if text appears incorrect PDF Import: Use Version 8 or 9 for modern PDF files PostScript Preferred: PostScript format offers higher accuracy than PDF 4 ### Import Options Configure conversion settings for optimal results, including layer mapping, path conversion, fill modes, and text output options. ## Understanding Import Options Configure these settings to optimize your PostScript and PDF conversions for manufacturing ### Page Number Select which page to convert from multi-page documents (one page at a time) ### Spline/Arc Precision Control curve accuracy - smaller deviation equals higher quality but larger file sizes ### Map Layers/Colors Choose between merging all objects to single layer or creating separate layers per color ### Convert Paths To Auto-detect, Polygon, Rounded, Truncate, or Extended path types ### Fill Mode Auto-detect transparency, De-Embed, Fill All, or No Fill options ### Text Output Process text as None, Polygon, Polygon Adjustable, or Use Default Font ### Flash Shapes Automatically detect and convert circles, donuts, squares, and rectangles to Gerber flashes ## Video Tutorials Watch PostScript and PDF import in action ### ACE 3000: Import PostScript Learn how to import PostScript files and choose the best Ghostscript version for optimal text rendering ### FAB 3000: PDF to Gerber See how to import a PDF fab drawing and export it to Gerber format for manufacturing ## Troubleshooting Guide Common solutions for "Unable to parse PostScript/PDF file" errors 1 ### Keep software updated Use the latest version (post-November 2012) for improved Ghostscript detection and linking 2 ### Manually set Ghostscript location Assign the Ghostscript DLL location in software settings before importing 3 ### Use 32-bit Ghostscript Even on 64-bit systems, our software requires the 32-bit version of Ghostscript 4 ### Try EXE instead of DLL Select the Ghostscript command-line executable if DLL doesn't work 5 ### Set environment variable Add "PS" environment variable in Windows System Settings (restart required) ## Ready to Get Started? Download a free trial of FAB 3000 or ACE 2D/3D Translator and start converting your PostScript and PDF files today [Download Free Demo](/download-center)[Contact Support](https://support.numericalinnovations.com/support/home) ![Numerical Innovations](/assets/ni-logo-C3u5Pfq2.png) Leading solutions for CAM / DFM / 3D software. 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