Gerber Viewer | Viewmate Free

The primary role of a Gerber viewer is to eliminate "design for manufacturability" (DFM) errors. Even the most sophisticated CAD tools can occasionally produce output files with artifacts, missing copper pours, or incorrect drill registrations. ViewMate allows engineers to load these files—typically RS-274X or Gerber X2 formats—to perform a visual sanity check. This process saves significant time and money by preventing the fabrication of faulty boards.

You designed a 0.5mm pitch BGA. In the CAD software, it looks fine. In ViewMate, zoom into the BGA. If the solder mask layer (usually magenta) does not show a clear opening around each copper pad, your board will arrive with pads covered in solder mask—an un-solderable board. gerber viewer viewmate