Errors in viewing drill files

Layout Gerbers (GerbView)
1

Hello Everyone,

KiCad 8.0.5-dirty, on MX Linux (Debian)

I am confused about what I should expect with viewing drill files in the kicad 8 GerbView program.
I have found 2 posts on the forum in this regard, such as:
https://forum.kicad.info/t/unexpected-char-error-in-gerberview/24115

When I view the PTH drill file, using the All Files filter to allow me to select it, I get errors, such as:
G00 command not handled
and
Unexpected char 0x2E
(239 errors in all)

NOTE: my board has 160 PTH and no NPTH.

Then when I click OK, on this error pop-up dialog, there does not appear to be anything shown for the holes.

On the other hand, viewing the PTH MAP file, with GerbView, seems to correctly show the locations of the holes to be drilled.

Also, if I view the PTH drill file with a text editor, it shows drill coordinates beginning at line 15.

Anyway, given the endless advice to “carefully check the Gerbers/Drill files before submitting to fabrication” I am hoping to resolve this situation.

Many thanks,
xkicad

2

Are you trying to view drill files as if they were Gerber files?
Don’t do that.
Choose “Open Excellon Drill Files” instead.

3

Or just use Open Autodetected File(s).

4

Thank you 3 Dogs.
Thank you Retiredfeline

Got it now.

Appreciate the responses.

Off to the races.

Best,
xkicad

5

Drill files are simple text commands. You can view them in any text editor.