ProtoGrid is a parametric generator for prototype perfboards.
Configure your grid, add power rails, mounting holes and silkscreen labels –
then export production-ready Gerber files for PCB manufacturers like JLCPCB or PCBWay.
Everything you need to go from idea to manufactured perfboard.
📐
Parametric Grid
Set board dimensions, pad pitch and grid size. The layout adapts instantly to your requirements.
⚡
Power Rails
Add configurable VCC and GND rails along the edges of your board – just like a classic breadboard.
🔩
Mounting Holes
Choose from diagonal or corner mounting hole patterns with configurable drill diameters and edge distances.
🔤
Silkscreen Labels
Row numbers and column letters printed on the board for easy component placement and documentation.
📦
Gerber Export
Download production-ready Gerber and Excellon drill files. Upload directly to JLCPCB, PCBWay, Aisler or any manufacturer.
👁️
Live Preview
See your board rendered in real-time as you adjust parameters. What you see is what gets manufactured.
Three steps to your custom perfboard
1
Configure
Set your board dimensions, choose pad grid density, enable power rails, mounting holes and silkscreen labels. The live preview updates with every change.
2
Preview & Adjust
Check the rendered board in the interactive preview. Verify pad placement, rail positions and hole keepout zones. Fine-tune until it's right.
3
Export & Order
Download the Gerber file package (copper layers, solder mask, silkscreen, drill file) and upload it to your preferred PCB manufacturer. Boards typically arrive within a week.
Made by an engineer, for makers.
ProtoGrid is built and maintained by Martin – electronics engineer and founder of MacGizmo.
Looking for soldering kits, maker tools or electronics gadgets?
The European Commission provides a platform for online dispute resolution (OS):
https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr.
We are not willing or obliged to participate in dispute resolution proceedings before a consumer arbitration board.
Terms of Use
Last updated: February 2026
1. Scope
These Terms of Use govern the use of the ProtoGrid online tool ("Service") provided by Martin Maier / MacGizmo ("Operator"), accessible at protogrid.macgizmo.com. By using the Service, you agree to these terms.
2. Service Description
ProtoGrid is a free online tool for generating parametric prototype perfboard designs and exporting them as Gerber manufacturing files. The Service is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind.
3. Usage Rights
The Service is free for personal and commercial use.
Generated Gerber files are yours – you may use, modify and manufacture them without restriction.
Generated files contain a "MacGizmo ProtoGrid" silkscreen label on the board.
4. Disclaimer of Warranty
The Service is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. The Operator does not warrant that generated files are error-free or suitable for any specific manufacturing process.
5. Limitation of Liability
The Operator shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or special damages arising from the use of or inability to use the Service, including but not limited to damages resulting from manufactured boards. Users are responsible for verifying generated files before ordering production.
6. Intellectual Property
The ProtoGrid software, design and brand are the property of the Operator. The open-source components are licensed under their respective licenses as published in the project repository.
7. Modifications
The Operator reserves the right to modify, suspend or discontinue the Service at any time without notice. These Terms may be updated; continued use constitutes acceptance of revised terms.
8. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany. For consumers within the EU, mandatory consumer protection provisions of the consumer's country of residence apply in addition.
Privacy Notice
Last updated: February 2026
Short version
ProtoGrid is designed with privacy in mind. The tool runs entirely in your browser. No user data, board designs or generated files are transmitted to or stored on our servers.
Data Processing
Board designs: All computations happen client-side in your browser. We do not collect, transmit or store your designs.
Gerber files: Files are generated locally in your browser and downloaded directly to your device. No server upload occurs.
Cookies: This page does not use cookies or tracking technologies.
Analytics: No analytics or tracking scripts are loaded on this page.
Hosting
This website is hosted by HOSTINGER operations, UAB. The hosting provider may collect technical access logs (IP address, timestamp, requested resource) as required for server operation. See their privacy policy for details.
External Resources
This page uses locally stored fonts. No third-party resources are loaded.
Your Rights (GDPR)
As a data subject under EU/EEA law, you have the right to access, rectification, erasure, restriction, data portability, and objection. Since we do not collect personal data through this tool, these rights are largely not applicable. For any questions, contact us at [your-email]@macgizmo.com.
Responsible Party
Martin Maier / MacGizmo (see Imprint for full contact details).