How to use .gbx files

The .gbx file extension is used for different types of files. Apart from being a CAD (computer-aided design) file type when making and processing circuit boards, the .gbx file format can also be used as a game or text file. Due to the various functions that a gbx file can have, different programs are needed to open a .gbx file.

The most common use for the gbx file extension. is for Gerber PCB files. Gerber is a file structure in an ASCII format, which allows data to be transferred from CAD to CAM (computer-aided manufacturing). As a CAD file, the .gbx file format is used to create and edit layout data for circuit boards. In this case, the .gbx files contain, among other things, 3D objects, statistical data, settings for format and layout as well as additional metadata for .gbx projects. The Gerber format is an established standard for the development of circuit boards.

Since the .gbx file format has very specific use cases, you probably don’t encounter this file type very often. However, if you receive a .gbx file, it could be from the French game developer NADEO. The developer of gaming series, such as Trackmania, Virtual Skipper and Shootmania, uses .gbx to save graphics, maps, profiles and replays. This type of .gbx file is not a CAD file but is instead used for gaming purposes. The .gbx file format is also used in the budget analysis software Great Budget. This application uses the .gbx file extension for text files.

Before opening a .gbx file, you need to check what type of .gbx file it is. You can do this by right clicking on the file. With a Windows operating system, you’ll then choose “Properties” and “File type”. On a Mac system, the information is located under “More information” and “Type”. You can normally open a .gbx file with a double click. Your operating system will then automatically use the correct software. If this doesn’t work, you’ll have top either select a suitable program or download one.

Since all possible .gbx file formats are relatively specific and not compatible with a wide range of programs, you might need separate software to open and edit the files. If you are using a .gbx file extension to work on a Gerber PCB file, you can use one of the following programs:

• PentaLogix ViewMate
• Pentalogix ViewMaster
• GraphiCode GC-Prevue
• Osmond PCB
• Cadence OrCAD PCB Designer

If it’s a NADEO game file, you’ll only be able to open the .gbx file if the corresponding game is installed. The company uses .gbx with the following software:

• Trackmania (versions 1 to 10)
• Virtual Skipper (versions 1 to 5)

If you want to open a .gbx format text file from Great Budget, you will need the Great Budget program from the company Interscape. These files are not compatible with any other program.