BRD: an Eagle board or an Allegro database?
An Eagle or Fusion Electronics XML .brd contains a board document with packages, placement and connections. A Cadence Allegro .brd is a different native board format. Renaming one does not make it readable as the other.
If the source application is unknown, ask the sender which program and export command produced the file. Work from a copy when inspecting it. A readable XML document with Eagle elements points to the Eagle workflow; a binary file requires format detection and the appropriate reader.
PCB and DSN: the same extension can mean different things
A .kicad_pcb is a KiCad board, while an Altium PCB document commonly uses .PcbDoc. The generic .pcb extension is shared by Pulsonix, DesignSpark, Protel and other tools. Keep the original filename and source application information together.
A Specctra .dsn describes a routing exchange; an OrCAD Capture .dsn is a schematic database. A schematic contains different facts from a routed board. Selecting a physical output cannot supply placement, drills or copper that the source never contained.
Gerber and drill files belong to a set
Gerber files describe manufacturing artwork by layer. Files such as .gbr, .gtl or .gbl can be accompanied by Excellon drill files and a board profile. Layer naming varies, so one extension does not prove the complete stack or board side.
Upload a ZIP containing all layers and drills from the same export. A single copper image is insufficient to describe both sides, hole plating and the full board outline.
Choose the source that matches the result you need
Use the native board when moving a layout between CAD tools. Use a complete manufacturing package when exchanging fabricated geometry. Use a netlist or schematic for component and connection data; a mechanical model or PDF does not substitute for an electrical design.
- Keep the original document unchanged and collect companion files in one archive.
- Confirm the detected source family and read the source guide before choosing outputs.
- Review the conversion notes, then open the result in the destination application.