Now available: panel layout files
Over the years, we’ve gotten quite a few requests from customers in the DIY community who wanted to make their own panels for our modules. With our recent decision to retire replacement panels, we thought it would be the perfect time to make layout files available for all who want them.
What’s in the download?
In our open-source Github repository, you can find a download folder containing quite a few panel layouts.
We collected the layout files for around 30 of our most recent modules, including Versio and Legio. These files are either SVG or DXF – we’ve had a few different workflows for panel generation, and the preferred file format changed over time.
This collection includes the layout for the most recently produced version of the module. This doesn’t include panel art – we encourage you to get creative with your panels!
Use at your own risk
Since we’ve gotten so many requests for these layout files, we figured it would be cool to have them available. However, module layouts often had to change over time to accommodate parts availability. Sometimes this was the actual position of the parts, and sometimes it was just the size of the holes (e.g., the pots we moved to during the pandemic required a larger hole than the ones we used prior to and the ones we’ll be moving toward in the future).
This is a use-at-your-own-risk type of deal. We recommend doing some measurements to make sure the layout file matches the dimensions of your module in-hand, especially if the version number on the circuit board of your module doesn’t match the number on the file.
Our lawyers, who may or may not be three knowledgeable raccoons in a trench coat, tell us that we also need to remind you that you can’t use our trademarks (like our logo or trademarked names) on commercial products. And while you’re welcome to make a panel of your own design (without our logo, etc.), and try to sell it, after several years of doing just that, we can confidently say that selling panels is not a particularly lucrative business.
That said, we encourage you to have at: if you have a design, color scheme, or custom firmware you’ve been itching to create a panel for, we’d love to see it out there!
Why we're discontinuing our own replacement panels
In a recent blog post, we went over some of the changes that we’re going through. As we moved to a new distribution process (and are still working on a lot more changes), cutting panels decreased our SKU count by more than half which made a huge and immediate difference. Details on that are probably a good post for another day.
How we make panels
Our workflow for metal panels was a bit complicated, and included a metal supplier, someone to mill the panels, someone to powdercoat, and then someone to print them. This process was long and complicated and, most importantly, expensive! However, if you want to try your hand at metal, we’ve tried Ponoko with good results; we’ve also heard good things about Front Panel Express, though we have not used them. Neither are budget options, though.
We’ve found PCB panels to be a bit easier and more affordable to work with. If you’re curious about how we go about turning one of these layout files into a finished panel, here’s our workflow for creating PCB panels. For one-off orders, we like using OSH Park or PCBWay.
Big shout out to Thea from Winterbloom for her help with this process!
Art stuff
We use Affinity for all of our panel designs. To start, import your desired layout file, constrain the document dimensions to the outer lines of the panel, and do any necessary cleanup (remove extraneous lines, merge any unconnected curves, and the like).
I like to organize my design files in seven layers:
FSilkS: This is the art printed in silkscreen on the front of the panel. Param names, cool designs, and occasional funny quips go here.
EdgeCuts: Layout file goes here. This shows how the actual panel will get cut.
FMask/BMask: These are negative layers, meaning that any designs here get removed from the front/back mask layers of the PCB respectively, allowing the copper to show through.
FCu/BCu: Another pair of negative layers, but designs here remove the front/back copper below the mask layer, exposing bare plastic.
BSilkS: If you want to draw something on the back of your panel, that art goes here. Also printed in silkscreen.
When you’re done, export each layer as an SVG.
CADing
As of 2025-ish, we use KiCad to generate gerbers from the SVGs.
Import each graphic layer (File > Import > Graphics) and assign it to the proper layer on the board.
Then, plot your gerbers: hit the Plot button, set the format to Gerber, set a convenient output directory, generate your drill files, and click Plot.
Once it’s plotted, zip your gerber folder and import it into OSH Park or your preferred provider. If it looks good, you’ve got a panel to order!
