Below is a sample ReadMe file of our desired information from our customers. The links point to definitions below the example:

__________
01/26/01
ABC Company
P/N SR125 Rev A

Please build a quantity of 100 pieces of this 6-layer board. We are requesting 1/2-oz. base copper weight, 0.062" thick on FR4 material, green solder mask, and white legend.

The Gerber files included in this zip:

File Name Description:
SR125.CMP Layer 1 (component side)
SR125.gnd Layer 2 (ground layer)
SR125.IN1 Layer 3 (internal signal)
SR125.IN2 Layer 4 internal signal
SR125.VCC Layer 5 power layer
SR125.SLD Layer 6 solder side
SR125.CSM Component-side solder mask
SR125.SSM Solder-side solder mask
SR125.TSK Component-side silkscreen (nomenclature)
SR125.BSK Solder-side silkscreen
SR125.DRL Excellon drill file
SR125.TOL Drill tool description
SR125.APT Aperture information
SR125.DWG Drawing or print

Any technical questions can be referred to johndoe@abc.com (your email address). My contact number is 555-555-1234 (your number).
__________

To ensure smooth processing of your order, please click on each link in the sample ReadMe for more detailed tooling information.
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Zip File
All files needed for the processing of your order must be compressed in a zip file. Due to the large amount of orders received, we are not able to accept individual layer files sent to us. Winzip or Pkzip is downloadable.
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Gerber Files
Industry standard format for files used to generate artwork necessary for circuit board imaging. The preferred Gerber format is RS274X, which embeds the apertures within the specific files. The apertures assign specific values to design data (specific pad size, trace width, etc.), and these values make up a D-code list. When files are not saved as RS274X, a text file with values must be included because the values must be hand-entered by our CAM operators. This slows down the process and increases the margin for human error, as well as lead-time and cost.

Please Note: Plot & Go orders MUST provide Gerber Extended files.

It is recommended you download Viewmate (www.lavenir.com), which is free software that enables you to preview your Gerber & drill files prior to submitting. This is a version of the software we use to prep your Gerber artwork and drill files.
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ReadMe File
A text file included in the zip file, which provides the necessary information needed to manufacture your order. Phone numbers or email addresses of designer or engineer contacts for this project should be included to expedite resolution of any potential manufacturing problems that could delay your order.
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UL (Design Check only)
Identified as a recognized component for Underwriters Laboratories Inc. UL File number E58527.
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Date/Lot Code (Design Check only)
Some customers require a manufacturer's lot code or a manufacturing date to be placed on the board for future tracking purposes.

Your drawing or ReadMe file needs to specify which of the two is required, and if it should be etched on the board or part of the nomenclature.
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Component Side
In order to prevent building a board inside out, we must be able to identify the correct orientation of your design. Component, layer 1, or 'top' layer should read in facing up. All other layers should line up as though looking through the board.

Helpful hint: On-board text such as company name, logo, or part number that is oriented right-reading on the top layer will quickly allow us to determine that files have been imported correctly. This simple step can save a time-consuming phone call and potential hold up. Please note: any traces on outer layer that are 0.010" wide or less will require ½ ounce copper starting weight to prevent excessive trace width reduction.
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Internal Power and Ground Layers
View sample (Link to pictures of right and wrong way of generating files).
Please generate these layers as negatives. This will make it easy to identify as shown in the above sample.

If your drawn internal ground and power layer files are too large, we may be unable to plot the necessary artwork to process your order. We also may not have the ability to run your order with more than one image on a panel, due to file size constraints. This could increase the cost of your order, and also increase your lead-time.

Helpful hint: When creating your clearances, please set your software parameters to generate opening 0.035" larger than the finished drill size for that particular opening. This will prevent shorting from occurring with layer shifting on inner layers.
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Internal Signal Layers
We will remove any pads that are not connected to traces on your internal signal layers in order to expedite the touch up process. Many customers send their files to us with this step already done, which helps to speed up the tooling process. If for any reason, you do not wish us to remove the extraneous pads, please clarify this in your ReadMe file.
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Solder Mask
We ask that you output your solder mask in one of two ways.

Generate your mask opening with a swell or 0.008" to 0.010" larger than the component and solder side pads.

(Design Check only)
NO SWELL AT ALL- Generate your mask with the same size pads as your component and solder layers. Our cam department will then generate a mask swell based on the density of your board to give you trace coverage and minimal mask on pads (0.001" or less).

Please note: While we make every attempt to leave a mask dam between surface mounts, fine pitch areas will be relieved in strips. Our manufacturing process needs at least 0.005" mask between pads in order to adhere to the board. Anything less than that has the potential for lifting and re-depositing on surface mounts that would then prevent solder coverage.
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Silkscreen, Nomenclature, or Legend
Minimum line width for legible printing is 0.007". Anything smaller may result in missing or illegible marking on your boards.
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Excellon Drill File
View sample
In order to process your order, we require a drill file (with x-y coordinates) that is viewable in any text editor.

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Drill Tool Description
This is a text file describing drill tool number and corresponding size. Some reports also include quantity.

Please Note: All drill sizes will be interpreted as plated through finished sizes unless otherwise specified.
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Aperture Information
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This is a text file describing the size and shape of each element on the board. Also known as a D-code list. This report is not necessary if your files are saved as Extended Gerber with embedded Apertures (RS274X).
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Drawing or Print
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We prefer to receive a print with board specifics with each order. This usually includes a drawing of the board outline with symbols marking individual drill sizes and corresponding board locations, dimensions, and any other pertinent manufacturing information unique to this order (copper weight, board thickness, stack-up specifics, etc.)

Please Note: Any specifics that fall outside of PCBpro's manufacturing parameters will be ignored.

A drill drawing is needed in order for us to process the order. If you do not provide a drill drawing, one will be generated by our CAM operators for our manufacturing process. (Size of board will be based on board outline and drill information will be used for finish hole size and locations.)
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We will use general building parameters if none are called out. These include ½-ounce copper on outer layers, 1-ounce copper on inner layers, FR4 material, 0.062" finished thickness, LPI (Liquid Photo Imaging) green solder mask over bare copper, and white silkscreen. Your boards will be individually routed out. Accurate cut lines must be provided.

We may refuse the order if we believe your board design is too complex or will cause manufacturing problems (you will be contacted if this happens).