Using xgbrvu to convert Gerber 274D to 274X

This page describes the basic procedure for loading the old RS274D gerber files to xgbrvu and saving it as RS274X extended Gerber. This step has to be done before using xgbrvu_union - The union module only works on 274X files.

..bin/xgbrvu_union

Once you start the program, it will show you the Gerber files in the local directory. The default gerber extensions can be set in the Filter option below. At this point, select the Gerber files you want to process.
For our example, pick the display.gbr file and hit the OK button. The viewer will load and display the Gerber file.

Next, you will need to select the aperture file. If you don't have, create a new one.
For our example, pick the display.apt file and hit the OK button. The viewer will load and display the Gerber file.

Next, you will need to define the correct apertures in the aperture table. Once you are done. hit Save

The viewer will load and display the Gerber file.

Next, click on the Tools pull down menu and then on Film Merge. The Gerber Merge menu will come up and at this point you will need to do the following:
Under the Films you will need to define/type the RS274X output file name: display_274x.gbr
Then click on the Add button below, and then double click on the gerber file you want to convert. In our example it is display.gbr
The selected file display.gbr will now appear at the top right list.
In the Output Type select the RS274X output, and finally hit OK to start the conversion.

Once the conversion is done (should take a few seconds), a new file will be saved called display_274x.gbr
This file is RS274X extended Gerber file. At this point you can close xgbrvu_union, then restart it and load the new file.
You are now ready to use the Gerber Union module if needed.