How to Generate a Pick and Place File for PCB Assembly

Whether you're a design engineer, hobbyist, or startup preparing for PCB manufacturing, understanding how to generate a Pick and Place (PnP) file is crucial. This file is a blueprint for automated assembly machines to accurately place components on your PCB. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics, standard file formats, and how to generate PnP files from popular PCB design tools.

What Is a Pick and Place File?

A Pick and Place file (also known as a centroid file or XY file) contains the exact coordinates and orientation of each surface-mounted device (SMD) on your PCB. It typically includes:

Reference designator (e.g., R1, C2)
X and Y coordinates (usually in mm or mil)
Rotation angle
Layer (Top or Bottom)

These files are essential for automated SMT (Surface Mount Technology) assembly, ensuring each component is placed with precision.

Common Formats for Pick and Place Files

Most manufacturers accept files in the following formats:

.CSV – Comma Separated Values
.TXT – Text format with tab or space delimiters
.XY – Standard centroid format
.POS – Position files (common in KiCad)
.XLS / .XLSX – Excel spreadsheet format

Be sure to check your assembly partner’s format preferences before exporting. For example, PCB Power accepts .csv and .xls / .xlsx formats.

How to Generate Pick and Place Files in Popular CAD Software

1. Altium Designer

Go to File > Assembly Outputs > Generate Pick and Place Files
Choose units (mm or inches) and file format
Export Top and Bottom side files separately if needed

2. KiCad

Open PCB Editor
Go to File > Fabrication Outputs > Footprint Position (.pos) File
Choose layer, units, and format
Save the file for each side of the board

3. Autodesk Eagle

Open your .brd board file.
Go to File > Export > Mount SMD
Eagle creates separate files for top (.mnt) and bottom (.mnb) SMD placements

4. OrCAD / Allegro

Go to File > Export > Placement File
Select side and format
Export files typically used by high-volume EMS providers

5. EasyEDA

Go to Fabrication > Pick and Place
Automatically generates a .CSV file
Includes layer, rotation, and coordinates

6. DipTrace

Navigate to File > Export > Pick and Place
Select format and reference design origin

7. DesignSpark PCB

Open the PCB layout
Go to Output > Reports > Component Placement Report
Save as .CSV and verify coordinate system

8. CircuitMaker

Similar to Altium; use Assembly Outputs > Generate Pick and Place Files

9. Proteus

Go to Output > Pick and Place
Adjust reference origin and side options before export

Tips for a Clean Pick and Place File

Always double-check the reference origin (ideally from bottom-left of the PCB).
Ensure rotation angles match IPC standards (e.g., 0° = pin 1 at bottom-left).
Use consistent units (mm preferred).
Export separate files if you have components on both sides of the board.
Verify the file in a spreadsheet before sending it to the assembler.

Final Thoughts

A well-formatted Pick and Place file reduces back-and-forth with your PCB assembler and helps ensure accurate component placement—especially critical in fine-pitch or high-density designs. Most modern CAD tools make this export process simple, but taking time to validate the file can save costly errors on the assembly line.