KB: Resolve component position offset in ODB++ files
Created: March 26, 2021 | Updated: March 08, 2024
Altium Designer
Starting in version: 18
Up to Current
I am importing ODB++ files into a fabrication house software MacroFab. Every time the component placement file comes in, it's position is offset from the actual board origin in the Gerber files. How do I make the component placement files match the PCB 0,0 origin when importing into MacroFab software.
Solution Details
The ODB++ always uses the "Relative Origin" as (0,0). Under the Advanced tab of the Gerber Setup dialog, you have the following three options for the "Position on Film":- Reference to absolute origin
- Reference to relative origin
- Center on film
Use "Reference to relative origin" to have the Gerber and ODB++ match.
Absolute origin is the location to which your cursor jumps when you use Edit ► Jump ► Absolute Origin
Relative Origin is the location to which your cursor jumps when you use Edit ► Jump ► Current Origin. This would be any user-defined location set by the command Edit ► Origin ► Set. (It can be reset with Edit ► Origin ► Reset.)
You can read more about Gerber Setup here:
https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/workspacemanager-dlg-gerbersetup-formgerber-setup-ad
You can read more about ODB setup here:
https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/workspacemanager-dlg-odbsetup-formodb-setup-ad