PCB design glossary
Fab Profile
AKA: fabricator profile
A named set of design rules matched to a specific PCB fabricator's tolerances (e.g. JLCPCB Standard).
A fab profile bundles the minimum trace width, clearance, via size, drill sizes, and copper-to-edge constraints that a given fabricator supports at a given price point. Picking the right profile up front prevents costly re-spins.
PCBEditor ships with profiles for JLCPCB Standard, JLCPCB 4-layer, PCBWay Standard, OSH Park, and custom rules.
What a fab profile holds
- Minimum trace width and clearance.
- Minimum drill size, via pad and annular ring.
- Copper-to-edge clearance and hole-to-hole spacing.
- Supported layer counts and board thickness.
- Soldermask and silkscreen minimums.
Why use one
Fabs publish different limits for different price tiers. A profile loads the right set in one step, so DRC checks your board against the fab you will actually order from. Designing to the cheapest tier's limits, with some margin, keeps the price down and yield up.
PCBEditor includes profiles for JLCPCB (2-layer and 4-layer standard), PCBWay standard and OSH Park.
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What will this board cost at each fab?
Enter the size, layer count and quantity once and see JLCPCB, PCBWay and OSH Park prices side by side.
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