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    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 TrialFAB 3000 Free Trial
    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 7Ghostscript Version 8Ghostscript Version 9
    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 DemoContact Support