Sounds like a fairly anal company or boss.  SOP it to have the PCB house
plot you a proof and return it to you before you commit to fab.  I used
to have a big Gerber used for IC layout, I don't trust the hardware ---
spent hours with a loupe and a wire list!  Sometimes the interpreter got
quirky.  If you get a good proof plot then you are good to go.  This
will also allow you to check your design rules against the ones the fab
house is using.

good luck,
joe


"John D. Kerr" wrote:
>
> I have been working on a project for the past several weeks. It has involved
> the development of code and also the creation of a PC board design to house
> the product.
>
> I have progressed to the point where I have created the PCB layout in Ivex s
> WinBoard (and WinDraft). Prior to the next step of sending the board out to
> have it etched, I have been warned to make sure the Gerber files generated
> are in fact truly reflective of the board design I have made.
>
> Are there any Gerber file viewing utilities out there that anyone can
> recommend? Ivex does offer one, but I thought it would be best to get the
> utility from a separate company other than that of the PCB design software
> that I use.
>
> Would appreciate the feedback.
>
> John