BRD File Extension

What is BRD file?

A .BRD file is a CAD file that is created by the circuit board design application called as Easily Applicable Graphical Layout Editor (EAGLE). The EAGLE application supported on the Windows, Mac, and Linux OS is used to create design templates for circuits. The BRD file can be converted into Gerber drill data format, which can be accessed by the Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) program. 

Programs which support BRD file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support BRD files. Files with BRD suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 01/05/2023

How to open file with BRD extension?

Problems with accessing BRD may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with BRD extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install EAGLE Layout Editor software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening BRD files is that no program that can handle BRD files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing EAGLE Layout Editor or different compatible program, such as EAGLE. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading EAGLE Layout Editor installed is by going to developer’s website (CadSoft Computer, Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update EAGLE Layout Editor to the latest version

You still cannot access BRD files although EAGLE Layout Editor is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that EAGLE Layout Editor cannot handle files with BRD may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of EAGLE Layout Editor should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open BRD files to EAGLE Layout Editor

After installing EAGLE Layout Editor (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open BRD files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the BRD file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where EAGLE Layout Editor is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open BRD files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected BRD file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select EAGLE Layout Editor and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with BRD extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the BRD for errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper BRD file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the BRD in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the BRD is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the BRD file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the BRD file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the BRD file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the BRD file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the EAGLE Circuit Board Format file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle EAGLE Layout Editor

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with BRD extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with EAGLE Circuit Board Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with BRD files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

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