GDS File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Extension .gds
Alternate Extension .gdsii
MIME Type application/octet-stream
File Type Graphic Database System Format
Developed by Calma
Primary Use IC (Integrated Circuits) Layouts
Data Type Binary
Structure Type Hierarchical
Layer Support Yes
Maximum Coordinates ±1,073,741,823
Format Version Latest known version GDSII Stream Format, Release 6.0
Database Units for User Configurable
Database Units for Layout Nanometers or Micrometers commonly
Units of Length Micrometers (um), optionally nanometers (nm)
Open Source Tools for Viewing KLayout, GDS3D, Magic
Open Source Tools for Editing KLayout, Magic, LibreCAD (with plugin)
Proprietary Tools for Viewing/Editing Cadence Virtuoso, Mentor Graphics, Synopsys
Support for Text Yes
Support for Paths Yes
Support for Polygons Yes
Support for References Yes (Cell references and arrays)
Compression Not inherently supported; requires external compression