GDSII Viewer

The GDSII Viewer accepts standard GDSII layout files and renders a precise 2D representation for quick verification and analysis. It supports per-layer filtering, scalable coordinate interpretation, and metadata extraction to aid audits and design checks. Conceptually, the tool parses the GDSII stream, translates database units to micrometers, computes a bounding region, and then draws a vector preview where each layer can be colored distinctly. It outputs an SVG preview suitable for documentation and a machine-readable metadata blob detailing layer counts, feature extents, and cell counts. This is valuable for layout engineers, foundries, and IP suppliers who need fast, repeatable validation without custom tooling. The tool differentiates itself by offering a self-contained, browser- or server-based workflow that preserves data locally and exports to standard formats (SVG + JSON) for automation pipelines. Typical use cases include preliminary design reviews, cross-team layout comparisons, and readiness checks before tape-out. Advanced users can leverage metadata for automated comparisons across revisions, or integrate the SVG previews into reports and design dashboards. The tool emphasizes deterministic rendering, explicit unit handling (dbu to μm), and robust error reporting for corrupted or oversized files, while avoiding design rule checks or editing capabilities.