{"id":128988,"date":"2026-06-09T03:12:55","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T03:12:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/?p=128988"},"modified":"2026-06-09T03:12:59","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T03:12:59","slug":"seeed-fusion-pcba-file-preparation-checklist-what-to-prepare-before-production","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/2026\/06\/09\/seeed-fusion-pcba-file-preparation-checklist-what-to-prepare-before-production\/","title":{"rendered":"PCBA File Preparation Checklist: What to Prepare Before Production"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\ud83d\udd0dWhy File Preparation Matters Before PCBA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In PCBA manufacturing, many delays can be traced back to the file review stage before production begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A complete file package helps manufacturers quote, source, assemble, inspect, and test your project more smoothly. If the BOM, Gerber, CPL, assembly drawing, or test instructions are incomplete or inconsistent, the project may enter repeated confirmation loops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use this guide as a quick checklist before submitting your PCBA files.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udccbQuick Checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before submitting a PCBA project, prepare the following files:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

File<\/th>Main Purpose<\/strong><\/th>Key Checks<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Gerber<\/strong><\/td>Transfers PCB graphics, stack-up, drill, solder mask, and silkscreen manufacturing data<\/td>Includes traces, solder mask, drill files, board outline, silkscreen layers, board size, revision, and date<\/td><\/tr>
BOM<\/strong><\/td>Defines all components, quantities, packages, MPNs, manufacturers, and sourcing information<\/td>MPN, package, quantity, reference designators, alternatives, and customer-supplied parts are clear<\/td><\/tr>
CPL<\/strong> \/ Pick-and-Place File<\/strong><\/td>Defines component coordinates, rotation, and assembly side for pick-and-place programming<\/td>Coordinates, rotation, Top\/Bottom side, and reference designators match the BOM and assembly drawing<\/td><\/tr>
Assembly Drawing<\/strong><\/td>Helps production and quality teams verify component position, direction, and polarity<\/td>Polarity marks, orientation, reference designators, insertion side, and double-sided information are accurate<\/td><\/tr>
Schematic<\/strong><\/td>Supports failure analysis, debugging, and functional issue diagnosis<\/td>Includes revision and date, and matches the current PCB\/BOM<\/td><\/tr>
Test Firmware & Test Guideline<\/strong><\/td>Supports programming, ICT\/FVT, functional testing, and traceability<\/td>Firmware version, programming method, test steps, and pass\/fail criteria are complete<\/td><\/tr>
PCB<\/strong> Fabrication Requirements<\/strong><\/td>Defines board thickness, copper thickness, impedance, material, surface finish, and other process parameters<\/td>Parameters are reasonable and do not unnecessarily affect cost, yield, or lead time<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Gerber<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gerber files are the standard production files used to manufacture the PCB. They help the manufacturer read the board layers, drill holes, paste layers, and board outline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc47 Before submitting <\/strong>Gerber<\/strong> files, use a Gerber Viewer to check three things<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Special Requirements?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For special <\/em>PCB<\/em> requirements, such as impedance control, V-CUT, gold finger beveling, special outline, ENIG thickness, high-TG material, or board thickness <\/em>tolerance<\/em>, add them to the fabrication notes or PCB requirements file instead of mentioning them only by email.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When preparing Gerber files, always export them from the latest PCB revision and verify the layers before submission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49Quick export steps for KiCad, Fusion 360, and Altium Designer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. BOM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The BOM tells the manufacturer what components need to be sourced and assembled<\/strong><\/mark>. For Seeed Fusion PCBA orders, please follow the BOM template so the system can read the file correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The following is a BOM template for reference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

bom_template<\/a>Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

* Note: The BOM, CPL, and Assembly Drawing should come from the same design revision. If one file is outdated, placement programming, first-article inspection, or AOI setup may be affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. CPL \/ Pick-and-Place File<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The CPL file provides component placement data for SMT assembly, including designator, X \/ Y coordinates, rotation, side, package, and value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure the CPL matches the BOM and assembly drawing. Outdated coordinates or incorrect rotation settings can cause placement errors during production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Assembly Drawing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Assembly Drawing is an important reference for PCBA production and quality inspection<\/mark><\/strong>. It helps production and QC teams verify component placement, orientation, polarity, and insertion direction during SMT first-article inspection, IPQC, repair analysis, and manual checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Common issues include missing polarity marks, unclear through-hole insertion direction, and mismatch between the Assembly Drawing and CPL \/ coordinate file. These issues may look minor in design files, but they can slow down first-article inspection and production confirmation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Test Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

PCBA file preparation should also include test requirements. Clear test firmware, test instructions, and pass\/fail criteria help identify defects earlier and reduce repair costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common PCBA tests include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n