.DRL File Recovery

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .DRL file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Data Recovery Tool

What is a .DRL file?

Contains drill data for manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) based on the Gerber specifications standard; includes data about the drilling tools and drill sizes used in creating the board.

What Are Common Causes of ".DRL" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".DRL" file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may mistakenly delete ".DRL" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer's storage.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Malfunctioning software or hardware components can lead to data corruption or loss, including ".DRL" files.
  3. Virus or malware infections: Malicious software can infect and damage files, including ".DRL" files, making them inaccessible or causing them to be deleted.
  4. Power outages or system crashes: Unexpected power outages or system crashes can interrupt the saving or accessing of ".DRL" files, resulting in data loss or corruption.
  5. File system errors: Errors in the file system structure can cause ".DRL" files to become lost or inaccessible.
  6. Formatting or partitioning errors: Mistakes made during formatting or partitioning drives can lead to the loss of ".DRL" files.
  7. Software conflicts: Incompatibilities or conflicts between different software programs can cause ".DRL" files to become corrupted or lost.
  8. Human error: Accidental actions by users, such as improper handling, incorrect file manipulation, or improper shutdowns, can result in ".DRL" file loss.
  9. Physical damage: Physical damage to storage devices, such as hard drives or memory cards, can lead to the loss of ".DRL" files.
  10. Synchronization or backup failures: If synchronization or backup processes are not properly executed, ".DRL" files may not be properly saved or restored, resulting in data loss.

How to recover lost ".DRL" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".DRL" file may be deleted.

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".DRL" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".DRL" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".DRL" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".DRL" files, and select analysis type.

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

How to open file with ".DRL" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo gerber Drill Rack File image file file?

Programs that open ".DRL" files

Windows
Altium Designer
PentaLogix ViewMate
Mac
vhf interservice Cenon
Linux
vhf interservice Cenon

Additional Information

  • File type: Gerber Drill Rack File

  • File extension: .DRL

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: Data Files

  • Format: N/A

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (1) #

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:16 #

    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .DRL files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!

Post comment
  • Updated:
  • Evaluations:
  • 3
  • /
  • :

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

Share

Questions and answers

What is the purpose of .DRL formats and how are they used in electronic design automation?

The .DRL (Design Rule Language) format is used in electronic design automation (EDA) to define the design rules for printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. It specifies the constraints and requirements that a PCB design must adhere to in order to ensure proper functionality and manufacturability.

The purpose of .DRL formats is to provide a standardized way to communicate design rules between the PCB design software and the manufacturing processes. These rules include parameters such as minimum trace width, minimum clearance between traces, minimum drill size, and other specifications related to the PCB layout.

.DRL files are typically generated by PCB design software, which analyzes the design and translates the design rules into a machine-readable format. These files are then used by the PCB manufacturer to ensure that the design meets the required specifications and can be manufactured correctly.

Manufacturers use .DRL files to perform design rule checks (DRC) during the pre-production stage. This involves comparing the design against the specified rules to identify any violations or potential issues. By using .DRL files, manufacturers can automate this process and quickly identify and rectify any design rule violations before production.

In summary, the purpose of .DRL formats is to define the design rules for PCB manufacturing and ensure that the design meets the required specifications. They facilitate communication between PCB design software and manufacturers, allowing for efficient design rule checks and ensuring the manufacturability of the PCB design.

What are the main differences between the various .DRL formats used in PCB manufacturing?

There are several different .DRL (Drill) formats used in PCB manufacturing, each with its own specifications and variations. The main differences between these formats include:

Excellon Format (.TXT or .DRD):

  • Widely used and accepted format.
  • Contains drill and routing data.
  • Supports both plated and non-plated holes.
  • Can include tool change commands and drilling parameters.

Gerber RS-274X Format (.GBL, .GBR, .GBS, .GBO, .GBP):

  • Originally designed for PCB artwork, but can also include drill data.
  • Contains layer-specific information, including drill holes.
  • Supports both plated and non-plated holes.
  • Can include tool change commands and drilling parameters.

NC Drill Format (.TAP):

  • Commonly used in older PCB manufacturing processes.
  • Contains drill data only (no routing information).
  • Supports both plated and non-plated holes.
  • Uses a simple text-based format.

ODB++ Format (.ODB):

  • A comprehensive format that includes not only drill data but also layout, component, and manufacturing information.
  • Contains all the necessary data for PCB fabrication and assembly.
  • Supports both plated and non-plated holes.
  • Requires specialized software for viewing and editing.

IPC-D-356 Format (.356):

  • A standardized electrical test format that includes drill data.
  • Contains information on test points and net connectivity.
  • Does not include routing or layout data.
  • Used for electrical testing and verification.

It's important to note that different PCB manufacturers may have specific requirements or preferences for the .DRL format they accept, so it's essential to check with the manufacturer or consult their guidelines to ensure compatibility.

Are there any limitations or compatibility issues associated with .DRL formats when transferring PCB design data between different software tools?

Yes, there can be limitations and compatibility issues associated with .DRL (Drill) file formats when transferring PCB design data between different software tools. Some of the common limitations and compatibility issues include:

  1. Different file formats: Different PCB design software tools may use different file formats for drill data. Some tools may use .DRL files, while others may use .TXT, .EXL, or other formats. This can cause compatibility issues when transferring data between tools.
  2. Format variations: Even if both tools use .DRL files, there can be variations in the format, such as differences in header information, coordinate systems, units, or drill file syntax. These variations can lead to parsing errors or incorrect interpretation of the drill data.
  3. Drill file options: Different software tools may have different options for generating drill files, such as the ability to include or exclude certain drill sizes, drill layers, or non-plated holes. When transferring drill data between tools, these options may not be preserved, leading to inconsistencies in the PCB design.
  4. Tool-specific features: Some PCB design software tools may have proprietary features or capabilities that are not supported by other tools. When transferring data, these features may be lost or not properly represented in the destination tool, resulting in design discrepancies.
  5. Drill file precision: Drill files typically specify the coordinates of drill holes with a certain precision. If the precision used in the source tool is higher than what the destination tool supports, the drill data may be rounded or truncated, leading to inaccuracies in the PCB design.

To mitigate these limitations and compatibility issues, it is important to carefully review the capabilities and file format requirements of the software tools involved. Additionally, using standardized file formats like Excellon or Gerber can help improve compatibility between different tools.