Frequently Asked Questions > How can I improve the results when I convert from Gerber to DXF? I need a DXF file with clean outlines for all gerber geometries.

A common problem when converting gerber files to other CAD formats is that gerber files are generally messy (ie. contain overlapping objects, use multiple line strokes to fill in metal areas, etc) that can cause poor results in the final translated file.

ACE has the ability to "clean-up" these messy gerber files using its editing command "Merge Overlapping Objects".

After importing gerber data, and getting to the page "Export Cell and Layers"; try the following:

1. Press button "CAD Viewer..." (located in the upper right area of ACE or below the Top Cell export tree).

Note: This takes you into the ACE CAD editor, which allows you to modify data before exporting.

2. Select all objects (goto menu: View | Selection | All...)

Note: You can also place ACE in "Selection Mode" by pressing the selection mode button ("Arrow icon" - second button to the left), and pick a window around your gerber objects.

3. Goto menu: Tools | Merge Overlapping Objects...

Note: ACE will now convert those messy overlapping gerber files into "clean outline boundaries".

Note: Depending on the size of your gerber files, it may be more effective to clean one layer at a time. To do this goto layers table: Setup | Layers Table... and turn off all layers, except one. Then repeat steps 2 & 3.

4. When you are finished, press button "Back to Conversion Setup", which takes you back to the ACE Conversion setup so you can then export your files.