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Blog / New HQDFM V4.6 Release Now Supports KiCad

New HQDFM V4.6 Release Now Supports KiCad

Posted:02:02 PM July 01, 2025 writer: Carmen Zheng

NextPCB are proud to announce that both the HQDFM desktop suite and HQDFM Online Gerber Viewer now support KiCad files for Gerber file viewing, DFM and DFA analysis and PCB ordering via NextPCB. 

As a Platinum KiCad sponsor and proud host of KiCon Asia, NextPCB are committed to advancing KiCad development and supporting the vibrant KiCad community. Now KiCad users can skip the Gerber export process and perform advanced Design for manufacture and assembly analysis using just KiCad design files, simplifying the design to production workflow and reducing room for error.

More DFM and DFA checks

As of version 4.6, HQDFM PCB Design Analysis Tool supports over 400,000 users worldwide and hosts a DFM checklist of over 1200 detailed inspection items covering both PCB manufacture and assembly. Recognized in the industry as the 'production guardian', HQDFM’s inspection capabilities cover up to 90% of manufacturing risks.

KiCad File Viewer

New to version 4.6, both the HQDFM desktop suite and online Gerber Viewer now accept KiCad .kicad_pcb file uploads and direct ordering from KiCad files - no fiddly Gerber export required! The free Gerber Viewer version supports the top web browsers, great for Mac and Linux users or those who just need a simple Gerber file viewer.

Interface Improvements

The 3D viewer, realistic view and panelization tool have undergone vast improvements. Hate having to rotate your head to read awkwardly angled designators or indicators? Realistic view now supports board rotation with a single click. The 3D viewer now renders silkscreen correctly, producing lifelike representations.

HQDFM User Manual now available

The fully translated and updated version of the HQDFM manual is now online, packed full of tips and hidden tricks. Discover new tools and features to enhance your DFM and pre-production workflow such as the Gerber panelizer, batch impedance calculator, BOM checker and more.

Download the PDF manual directly from within HQDFM or here.

Mass Debugging and Bug Squashing

This version had no shortage of engineers supporting HQDFM testing. In 20 rounds of vigorous testing and optimization, the team reduced the crash rate by 70% and increased operational fluidity by 40%.

If you haven’t already, be sure to upgrade and try the latest version! Upgrade in-software or download the latest release package.

Download HQDFM

 

About HQDFM

HQDFM is a free PCB file viewer and DFM tool from NextPCB with advanced design for manufacturing and assembly (DFM and DFA) capabilities and PCB design tools. With over 400,000 users worldwide, HQDFM's Design for Manufacture capabilities cover a checklist of over 1200 detailed DFM guidelines from signal integrity to footprint analysis and footprint checking, and also include specialized manufacturing tools such as the Gerber panelizer, batch impedance calculator, Gerber comparison tool, and PCB cost calculator.

HQDFM supports all major design software and can read Gerber files from most PCB design software, including Altium, Autodesk Eagle, KiCad, OrCAD/Allegro, DipTrace, DesignSpark, EasyEDA and more. In addition to viewing Gerber files, HQDFM also serves as an ODB++ viewer and KiCad viewer for KiCad PCB (.kicad_pcb) files. 

Download HQDFM for free and transform your PCB design-to-production workflow today

Download HQDFM

Or try the online Gerber Viewer version of HQDFM.

 

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