How to open PCB file

[Agrum]

Hello,

I have to open a .pcb file but I'm not able to do it. I have tried with Altium but it say "File type not recognize". I have tried all the importers with pcb extension on Altium but none of them work.
I have also tried with Orcad and Cadstar but the result was the same.

Any idea?

Thanks :thumbsup:

 

[betwixt]

PADS, Protel and several other programs use .pcb as a file extension. Most store the data as lines of text describing the start and end points of track segments and pad shapes so it you open it in a text editor you might find clues.

Brian.

 

[FvM]

Instead of guessing the dedicated layout tool or trial-and error work, it may be easier to scan the file source (and it's neighborhood) for info about the used tool.

 

[Agrum]

Thanks for replying.
I already opened the file with notepad but I didn't find any information about the used program.
I'll try with PADS PCB viewer now.

 

[FvM]

Yes, some PCB tools use ASCII like format, e.g. newer Eagle files. Your apparently doesn't.

 

[Agrum]

Using Free PADS PCB Viewer I'm able to open these files.
Actually the problem is that I have to modify them and I just have Altium. How can I import to Altium? Looks like there is no importer for PADS .pcb files

Thank you so much

- - - Updated - - -

I think that I have to convert it from pcb to ASCII, then I can use the import wizard in Altium.
The only problem is that I don't have PADS for doing this...