Introduction

In the world of PCB design, managing the output files generated during the design process is a critical task. Altium Designer, a leading electronic design automation (EDA) tool, provides two primary methods for managing and generating output files: OutJob Files and Project Release. Both methods serve the purpose of generating manufacturing files, documentation, and other outputs, but they differ in their approach, flexibility, and use cases. Understanding the differences between these two methods is essential for PCB designers to streamline their workflows and ensure the successful production of their designs.

This article will explore the key differences between Altium OutJob Files and Project Release, their respective advantages and disadvantages, and when to use each method. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to leverage these tools effectively in your PCB design projects.

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What Are OutJob Files in Altium Designer?

Definition and Purpose

OutJob Files, short for Output Job Files, are configuration files in Altium Designer that define how output files (such as Gerber files, assembly drawings, BOMs, and more) are generated from a PCB project. OutJob Files provide a centralized and customizable way to manage the generation of manufacturing and documentation outputs.

Key Features of OutJob Files

1. Centralized Output Management:
   OutJob Files allow designers to define all output configurations in a single file, making it easier to manage and update output settings across multiple projects.
2. Customizable Outputs:
   Designers can configure specific output generators (e.g., Gerber, NC Drill, PDF, etc.) and assign them to different output containers (e.g., folders, ZIP files).
3. Reusability:
   OutJob Files can be reused across multiple projects, saving time and ensuring consistency in output generation.
4. Flexibility:
   OutJob Files support conditional output generation, allowing designers to specify rules for when certain outputs should be generated.
5. Integration with Output Media:
   OutJob Files can be linked to output media such as printers, PDF generators, or file-based outputs, providing flexibility in how outputs are delivered.

How to Create and Use OutJob Files

1. Create an OutJob File:
   In Altium Designer, navigate to the File » New » Output Job File menu to create a new OutJob File. This file will be associated with your PCB project.
2. Configure Output Generators:
   Add and configure the desired output generators (e.g., Gerber, NC Drill, BOM, etc.) in the OutJob File. Each generator can be customized to meet specific requirements.
3. Assign Output Containers:
   Define where the generated outputs will be stored (e.g., a specific folder, a ZIP file, or a printer).
4. Run the OutJob:
   Once configured, you can run the OutJob File to generate the specified outputs. The outputs will be saved to the designated containers.

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What Is Project Release in Altium Designer?

Definition and Purpose

Project Release is a feature in Altium Designer that automates the process of generating and releasing manufacturing and documentation outputs for a PCB project. Unlike OutJob Files, which require manual configuration and execution, Project Release provides a more automated and streamlined approach to output generation.

Key Features of Project Release

1. Automated Workflow:
   Project Release automates the entire output generation process, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring consistency across releases.
2. Release Management:
   Project Release includes version control and release management features, allowing designers to track and manage different versions of their project outputs.
3. Predefined Templates:
   Altium Designer provides predefined release templates that can be customized to meet specific project requirements.
4. Integration with Vaults:
   Project Release integrates with Altium Vault, enabling designers to store and manage released outputs in a centralized repository.
5. Validation and Checks:
   Project Release includes built-in validation checks to ensure that the design meets manufacturing requirements before generating outputs.

How to Use Project Release

1. Set Up Release Configuration:
   In Altium Designer, navigate to the Project » Project Release menu to configure the release settings. You can choose from predefined templates or create a custom release configuration.
2. Run Validation Checks:
   Before generating outputs, Project Release will run validation checks to ensure that the design is ready for manufacturing.
3. Generate Outputs:
   Once the validation checks are complete, Project Release will automatically generate the specified outputs (e.g., Gerber files, BOMs, assembly drawings, etc.).
4. Store Outputs in Vault:
   The generated outputs can be stored in Altium Vault for version control and easy access.

Key Differences Between OutJob Files and Project Release

1. Workflow Approach

• OutJob Files: Manual and customizable. Designers have full control over the output generation process but must configure and execute the OutJob File manually.
• Project Release: Automated and streamlined. Project Release handles the entire output generation process, including validation and version control.

2. Flexibility

• OutJob Files: Highly flexible. Designers can configure specific output generators and containers to meet unique project requirements.
• Project Release: Less flexible but more standardized. Project Release uses predefined templates and workflows, which may not be suitable for all projects.

3. Reusability

• OutJob Files: Can be reused across multiple projects, making them ideal for teams with consistent output requirements.
• Project Release: Tied to a specific project. While release templates can be reused, the release process itself is project-specific.

4. Integration with Vaults

• OutJob Files: Do not integrate directly with Altium Vault. Outputs must be manually uploaded to a vault if needed.
• Project Release: Integrates seamlessly with Altium Vault, enabling automated storage and version control of released outputs.

5. Validation and Checks

• OutJob Files: Do not include built-in validation checks. Designers must manually verify that the design meets manufacturing requirements.
• Project Release: Includes built-in validation checks to ensure that the design is ready for manufacturing before generating outputs.

6. Ease of Use

• OutJob Files: Requires more manual effort and expertise to configure and execute.
• Project Release: Easier to use, especially for designers who prefer an automated and standardized workflow.

When to Use OutJob Files vs. Project Release

Use OutJob Files When:

1. You Need Customization:
   If your project requires highly customized output configurations, OutJob Files provide the flexibility to meet these requirements.
2. You Want Reusability:
   If you work on multiple projects with similar output requirements, OutJob Files can be reused to save time and ensure consistency.
3. You Prefer Manual Control:
   If you prefer to have full control over the output generation process, OutJob Files allow you to configure and execute outputs manually.

Use Project Release When:

1. You Want Automation:
   If you prefer an automated and streamlined workflow, Project Release handles the entire output generation process for you.
2. You Need Version Control:
   If you need to manage different versions of your project outputs, Project Release integrates with Altium Vault for version control.
3. You Want Built-In Validation:
   If you want to ensure that your design meets manufacturing requirements before generating outputs, Project Release includes built-in validation checks.

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Advantages and Disadvantages

OutJob Files

Advantages:

• Highly customizable.
• Reusable across multiple projects.
• Provides full control over output generation.

Disadvantages:

• Requires manual configuration and execution.
• Does not include built-in validation checks.
• No direct integration with Altium Vault.

Project Release

Advantages:

• Automated and streamlined workflow.
• Includes built-in validation checks.
• Integrates with Altium Vault for version control.

Disadvantages:

• Less flexible than OutJob Files.
• Tied to a specific project.
• May not be suitable for highly customized output requirements.

Best Practices for Using OutJob Files and Project Release

For OutJob Files:

1. Standardize Output Configurations:
   Create standardized OutJob Files for common output requirements and reuse them across projects.
2. Document Your Configurations:
   Keep detailed documentation of your OutJob File configurations to ensure consistency and ease of use.
3. Validate Outputs Manually:
   Always verify that the generated outputs meet manufacturing requirements before sending them to production.

For Project Release:

1. Customize Release Templates:
   Customize the predefined release templates to meet your specific project requirements.
2. Leverage Altium Vault:
   Use Altium Vault to store and manage released outputs for easy access and version control.
3. Run Validation Checks:
   Always run the built-in validation checks before generating outputs to ensure that your design is ready for manufacturing.

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Conclusion

Both OutJob Files and Project Release are powerful tools in Altium Designer for managing and generating output files. While OutJob Files offer greater flexibility and customization, Project Release provides an automated and streamlined workflow with built-in validation and version control. The choice between these two methods depends on your specific project requirements, workflow preferences, and level of expertise.

By understanding the differences between OutJob Files and Project Release, you can choose the right tool for your PCB design projects and ensure the successful production of your designs. Whether you prefer the manual control of OutJob Files or the automation of Project Release, Altium Designer provides the tools you need to streamline your workflow and deliver high-quality outputs.