MacroFab Blog

Enhanced Design File Support: Expanding Compatibility and Improving Your Experience

By Parker Dillmann  |  July 18, 2023

At MacroFab, we are continuously working to improve our platform to better serve your needs. We have recently expanded the range of design files supported, ensuring compatibility with a wider variety of formats. This expansion allows you to work with your preferred design tools and seamlessly integrate them into our system.

Broadening Design File Compatibility

We understand the importance of flexibility when it comes to PCB design. That's why we've expanded our platform to support a wider range of design file formats. Whether you're using industry-standard tools or the latest versions of popular open-source software like KiCad, our platform is now more adaptable than ever. This compatibility ensures that you can work with the tools you prefer without any hassle.

Improved Upload and Verification Process

Uploading your design files to MacroFab’s platform helps us get your order right and provides you with visual confirmation that your manufacturing files accurately communicate your design. We’ve made significant enhancements to our file upload process to further improve your experience.

Our new PCB File Processor is Faster than Ever!

Our new PCB File Processor is Faster than Ever!

  • Faster Preview Generation: We have improved the speed of our preview generation, allowing you to quickly verify that your design is correctly interpreted by our system. This means less waiting time and more confidence that your files are accurate.
  • Enhanced File Processing Engine: Our upgraded file processing engine now automatically identifies more layer files, streamlining the upload process and reducing the likelihood of errors. This enhancement ensures that your design is processed correctly and efficiently.

Support for KiCad and Other Tools

We are particularly excited to announce that we have added support for the latest KiCad EDA tool versions, one of the most popular open-source PCB design tools. KiCad users will benefit from these updates, including several bug fixes we contributed to, making KiCad more reliable when generating manufacturing packages. This support ensures that you can seamlessly integrate your KiCad designs into our platform, enhancing your workflow and reducing potential issues.

Automated Component Extraction

Moreover, we have added support for automatically extracting components from more design file packages. This new feature streamlines the process of identifying and cataloging components, saving you valuable time and effort. By automating component extraction, we help you focus on the more critical aspects of your project, ensuring a smoother and more efficient workflow.

New PCB Specifications summary panel for easy identification.

New PCB Specifications summary panel for easy identification.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

These updates reflect our commitment to providing a robust and versatile platform that adapts to your evolving needs, making it easier than ever to manage your PCB designs and bring your projects to life. We are dedicated to enhancing your experience and ensuring that our platform meets the highest standards of functionality and ease of use.


Experience the benefits of our expanded design file support.

Upload your design now and enjoy a more streamlined, efficient, and user-friendly process with MacroFab.


MacroFab's enhanced design file support and improved upload process are designed to provide you with a seamless and efficient experience. With faster preview generation, better file processing, and automated component extraction, we ensure that your projects move forward smoothly and accurately. Explore these new features today and see how they can enhance your PCB design workflow.

Related Topics
Streamlined Mechanical BOM Management

Manage Mechanical Bills of Materials (MBOMs) with electrical BOMs in MacroFab's PCB platform. Streamline projects and save time with our new MBOM feature.

MacroFab's Bare PCB Option Helps You Develop Products Faster

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our bare PCB board service to streamline your design workflow and help you bring your innovative ideas to life.

New Inventory Features Streamline Material Management

A display of some new features for the platform that enhances the the management of inventory and material at MacroFab.

About MacroFab

MacroFab offers comprehensive manufacturing solutions, from your smallest prototyping orders to your largest production needs. Our factory network locations are strategically located across North America, ensuring that we have the flexibility to provide capacity when and where you need it most.

Experience the future of EMS manufacturing with our state-of-the-art technology platform and cutting-edge digital supply chain solutions. At MacroFab, we ensure that your electronics are produced faster, more efficiently, and with fewer logistic problems than ever before.

Take advantage of AI-enabled sourcing opportunities and employ expert teams who are connected through a user-friendly technology platform. Discover how streamlined electronics manufacturing can benefit your business by contacting us today.