DFM and DRC Checks¶

Before exporting Gerber files, run DFM/DRC to detect and fix design errors. DFM (Design For Manufacturability) verifies that your board can actually be manufactured correctly.

Run DRC before exporting

Do not export Gerber files while critical errors (red) remain. Manufacturers may reject the order or the produced board may be defective.

Running DFM Checks¶

Go to Tools → DFM Check (or from the Design Rules panel)
Click Run DFM
WireFrame executes all check routines
Results populate in the DFM panel

DFM Results Panel:
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
🔴 E01 | Unconnected net: GND (3 pins)         [Zoom]
🔴 E03 | Clearance violation at (45.2, 12.8)   [Zoom]
🟡 W01 | Trace width close to minimum: R3      [Zoom]
🟡 W02 | Component near board edge: J1         [Zoom]
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
  3 errors, 2 warnings

Understanding the Results¶

Icon	Type	Meaning
🔴 Error	Critical	Must be fixed before export — board will fail if ignored
🟡 Warning	Non-critical	Should be reviewed — may be acceptable in some situations

Check Types Explained¶

🔴 Unconnected Nets¶

Detects nets that still have ratsnest lines (pads not connected by a trace or zone).

Example: "Unconnected net: GND (pin U1.3, J1.2)"
Fix: Route a trace or add a copper zone to complete the connection

🔴 Clearance Violations¶

Two copper elements from different nets are too close together.

Checks: trace ↔ trace, trace ↔ pad, pad ↔ pad, copper ↔ board edge
Fix: Re-route the trace to a different path, or reduce trace width to create more clearance

🔴 Trace Width¶

A trace is too narrow for its assigned net class:

Net class	Minimum width	Used for
Default (Signal)	6 mil	Standard signal traces
Power	12 mil	VCC, GND power rails

Fix: Increase the trace width in the Properties panel

🔴 Drill Sizes¶

A via or hole diameter is too small for the manufacturer to drill.

Fix: Increase the drill diameter in the Via or Hole Properties panel

🟡 Component Near Board Edge¶

A footprint is too close to Edge.Cuts and may be clipped during manufacturing.

Fix: Move the footprint further inward, or increase the board size
Note: This is a warning (not an error) to accommodate castellated holes and edge connectors

🔴 Missing Components¶

Components exist in the schematic netlist but have no corresponding placed footprint on the PCB.

Fix: Return to the schematic, verify the Footprint field is set correctly, then run Convert to PCB again

🔴 Orphan Traces / Vias¶

Copper that is not connected to any net or pad.

Fix: Select and delete the orphan traces/vias

🔴 Board Outline¶

No board outline found (Edge.Cuts is empty), or the outline is malformed (self-intersecting, not closed).

Fix: Draw a valid board outline using the Rectangle or Polygon tool on the Edge.Cuts layer

Viewing and Fixing Violations¶

Step 1: Double-click a violation¶

The canvas automatically pans and zooms to the violation location
The problematic area is centered on screen

Step 2: Fix the issue¶

Route the missing trace
Move a trace to increase clearance
Delete an orphan trace
Place the missing footprint

Step 3: Re-run DFM¶

Click Run DFM again to confirm the issue is resolved.

DFM Workflow:

  Run DFM
     ↓
  Any red errors?
  ├─ Yes → Double-click error → Fix → Run DFM again
  └─ No  → Ready to export Gerbers ✅