Online Boardview Software: How to Open .tvw, .fz, .cad, .brd Files
A fast Boardview reader in your browser. No downloads required — view motherboard, GPU, and laptop schematics on PC, Mac, or Android.
Technical details of supported files
Data structure architectures, origins, and topology contents within Boardview files:
Tebo-ICT View (.tvw)
A binary format for in-circuit testing (ICT) used by Gigabyte and Pegatron. Contains full vector topology: traces, vias, and the complete netlist.
Asus PCB Repair (.fz)
Proprietary Asus repair format. Encrypted with RC6 and compressed with zlib. Includes copper geometry and a built-in BOM with passive component values and IC part numbers.
Compal BDV (.bdv)
Compal laptop test platform standard (Acer, Lenovo, HP). Consists of Fabmaster ASCII sections obfuscated with a rolling XOR byte. Includes pin grids and test nails.
Cadence & TRI (.brd)
Found as TRI (Test Research Inc.) dumps or Cadence Allegro binary files. The primary format for Apple MacBook motherboards, Nvidia/AMD graphics cards, and server boards.
GenCAD 1.4 (.cad, .asc)
An open IPC industrial standard. Strict text structure with $SHAPES (package library), $COMPONENTS (placement, rotation), and $SIGNALS (netlist connectivity) directives.
CST CAM (.cst)
Binary format for CST CAM stations. Features component blocks, signal arrays, and a CPad table with hexadecimal coordinates. Common in automotive ECUs and industrial boards.
Why overlay Boardview on a board photo?
The classic 'drawing on monitor — board on desk' approach is outdated. VIZO uses projective geometry algorithms to align the CAD grid with your board's photograph. Here is why it changes the game:
No silkscreen on modern boards
On Apple MacBooks, modern ultrabooks, and GPUs, manufacturers no longer print reference designators (RefDes). With VIZO's overlay, part names appear right on top of the physical components.
Work without losing focus
Looking away from the microscope to check a monitor breaks your concentration. With the topology overlaid on the photo, you instantly see exactly which physical chip pin a trace connects to.
Tracing burns and broken traces
In cases of liquid damage or burned PCB areas, visual alignment instantly reveals exactly where to run a jumper wire, as virtual pads overlay the damaged board.
X-ray vision through the PCB
Highlight a power rail, and VIZO will show you where it goes on the reverse side of the board, illuminating vias and components right through the photograph.
A modern replacement for legacy software
You no longer need an old Windows laptop. VIZO BoardViewer is touch-optimized: use pinch-to-zoom right on your tablet next to the microscope.
A unique capability: take a photo of the board, align the 4 corners, and the CAD vector grid overlays the real components, compensating for camera tilt and distortion.
The hardware-accelerated Canvas engine delivers 120 FPS even on massive server and GPU boards (up to 100,000 pins). Instant net searching ( / key) with zero lag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open .tvw, .cad, or .brd (Boardview) files? expand_more
Tebo-ICT (.tvw), GenCAD (.cad), and Cadence (.brd) files open directly through VIZO in your browser. The engine decodes the copper structure, pins, and nets on the fly without installing third-party utilities.
Do I need to download Boardview software to my computer? expand_more
No. VIZO operates as a standalone web application. You don't need to download archives, run installers, or configure libraries — the viewer launches instantly in your browser on any OS.
Does the Boardview viewer work on Android, iPad, or Mac? expand_more
Yes, unlike classic Windows XP-era software, our engine is optimized for mobile platforms. You can open Boardview for Android or iOS right on your tablet near your microscope, utilizing intuitive touch scaling (Pinch-to-zoom).
Is this suitable for motherboards, graphics cards, and laptops? expand_more
The viewer is universal and supports schematics across all platforms: desktop motherboards (ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI), laptops (Compal, Quanta, Pegatron), and graphics cards (GeForce GTX/RTX, Radeon RX). Please note: we provide the tool (reader) only; you must upload the schematic files from your own device.
Can I hide UI elements or the grid so they don't cover the components? expand_more
Yes. To switch to a full-screen Zen mode with no control panels, press the H key. To temporarily hide the overlaid CAD vector lines and inspect markings on a board photo, press the W key.
How do I use the viewer to find a short circuit (GND short)? expand_more
Select the suspect power rail by clicking its pin. In the bottom inspector panel, click the «Shunts / Short» filter. The system will hide ICs and leave only capacitors and protection diodes connected to ground (GND) highlighted, drastically speeding up the localization of the shorted component.
Start viewing your board
Select a schematic file from your local disk or drag it into the workspace. The viewer is instantly ready to use.
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