You've run MODI Factory at least once. The basics make sense. Now you want better results.

"The results weren't what I expected. Sometimes it looks clean, other times it's not quite right. I can't figure out whether to export Gerber or a project file.”

These are exactly the questions that come up once you've moved past the basics — and this guide is here to answer them.

Here are 4 practical tips you can put to work on your next project.

Tip 1. Use Placement and Routing selectively based on what your project needs

MODI Factory's Placement and Routing modules run as independent projects. Choosing strategically which to use — or how to combine them — can significantly streamline your workflow.

① Placement only The right call when routing constraints are strict or you need direct control over specific signal lines. Let the AI handle component placement, then open the output in KiCad or another external EDA tool and route manually. You eliminate the overhead of placement while keeping full precision over routing.

② Routing only Use this when you've already completed placement yourself, or when you have an existing placed layout file you want to keep intact. Leave the placement as-is and hand off just the routing to the AI.

Tip 2. How to choose the right export format

Not sure which format to download? Use this as your reference.

① Gerber files — for fabrication orders Use this when submitting directly to a PCB manufacturer. Most fabricators require Gerber as their standard format. Specific Gerber spec requirements can vary by manufacturer, so check the fab's file guidelines before placing your order.

② PDF — for review and presentation The best option when sharing design results with teammates, an advisor, or in a presentation deck. Anyone can open a PDF without EDA tools installed, making it the most practical format for sharing and review.

③ Project file — for further editing Use this when you need to open the output in an external EDA tool and make additional modifications. The right choice when you want to use the MODI Factory result as a starting point for fine-tuning.

Tip 3. When the result isn't what you wanted — here's how to approach it

An unexpected result doesn't mean starting over from scratch. Work through these steps and you'll resolve the issue more efficiently.

① Read the comments first to identify the cause Start with the AI comments on the results screen. Check the board-level comment to understand the overall placement logic, then click on any component whose position concerns you to see its individual rationale. Re-running without diagnosing the cause first will often produce the same result.

② Identify what needs to change and adjust accordingly Once you've pinpointed the issue, make the necessary edits in KiCad or EasyEDA. Keep in mind that in PCB design, repositioning a single component or modifying a net can affect adjacent routing — think carefully about the scope of your changes before applying them.

③ Re-run with the modified file Save the updated file and upload it to MODI Factory as a new project. The number of iterations will vary with the complexity of the issue, but the cycle of diagnosing → adjusting → re-running is the most direct path to a result you're satisfied with.

💡 Tip

• Download your result file after each run so you can compare it against previous versions. Tracking which changes produced which outcomes is one of the fastest ways to build real design intuition.

Tip 4. Use MODI Factory on a stable connection

MODI Factory is a cloud-based service that runs entirely in your browser — no software installation required. Because of this, network conditions have a more direct impact on your experience than they would with a locally installed EDA tool.

① Make sure your network connection is stable Both file uploads and result delivery happen over the network. An unstable Wi-Fi connection can cause upload errors mid-transfer. Where possible, use a wired connection or a reliable Wi-Fi network.

② Keep the tab open during file upload Don't close or refresh the tab while a file is uploading. Closing the tab before the upload completes will interrupt the transfer.

③ Large file uploads may take longer Designs with a high component count or complex layer stacks can take a bit longer to upload. Wait for the upload progress bar to complete before navigating away.

Wrapping up

Here's a quick recap of all four tips.

• Tip 1: Combine Placement and Routing selectively based on your project's needs

• Tip 2: Export in the format that fits your purpose — Gerber for fabrication, PDF for review, project file for further editing

• Tip 3: When results don't look right, read the comments to diagnose the cause before modifying and re-running

• Tip 4: Use a stable network connection and keep the tab open during uploads

Apply these to your next project and you'll notice a real difference in both output quality and workflow efficiency. If you have more questions, check the MODI Factory FAQ or reach out anytime.

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