How to snap to grid a Cadence Layout

In DRC checks, the WARNING “OFFGRID vertex on layer M1 at location xx,xxx,xxx in cell XXX”.

This warning is telling us that some cells are not on-grid. It is only a warning, but when sending a design to fabricate, it is important to fix the warnings.

The procedure

The steps are:

Export the design as gds file –> then import it snapping it to the grid –> the Design is ON GRID

1. Export the Design

On the OWS Cadence Window: File>> Export >> Stream

Choose a path and file name for the output Stream file.

Then, select the source library, cell and technology library and press “Translate”.

2. Import

Go again to the OWS Cadence Window, but click on import this time.

File>> Import >> Stream

Select the previously exported gds file and the destination library.

Click on “More options” and on the Geometry tab, check “Snap to Grid” and press “Translate.

3. Check the DRC again and prove that there are any cell off-grid

When fixed the OFFGRID warning should be away.