Use a named, immutable release candidate tied to one source commit.
Electrical and layout
- Run ERC and review every exclusion.
- Run DRC at the intended fabricator’s constraints.
- Confirm stack-up, impedance assumptions, copper weight, and finished thickness.
- Inspect unconnected items and intentional no-connects.
Physical outputs
- Inspect copper, solder mask, paste, silkscreen, Edge.Cuts, and drill layers separately.
- Confirm plated versus non-plated holes.
- Check connector orientation, pin-one marks, component height, and enclosure clearance.
- Verify paste treatment for exposed pads and fine-pitch parts.
Assembly data
- Normalize manufacturer part numbers in the BOM.
- Confirm fitted/DNP state.
- Review placement rotation and board origin.
- Render both sides from the exact release source.
Release evidence
- Record the Git commit and KiCad version.
- Include DRC/ERC summaries and any justified waivers.
- Generate checksums for the final package.
- Mark unbuilt candidates clearly; “checks passed” is not the same as “physically tested.”