The short answer
What this setting controls
Most functional boards need sound workmanship rather than display-grade cosmetics. Products with visible electronics may need tighter limits on colour variation, marks or surface defects.
Define inspection lighting, viewing distance, permitted variation, critical faces and whether the criterion is cosmetic or functional. Use drawings or approved samples where appearance is important.
Options in the order form
How the available choices differ
| Choice | Use it for | Engineering note |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended / default | Builds without a documented exception | Keeps the current compatible process path. |
| Alternative selection | A released drawing, stack-up or assembly plan requires it | Recheck every dependent option after changing appearance quality. |
Compatibility
What can change with this selection
- Cosmetic criteria do not replace electrical and mechanical acceptance.
- Mask colour and surface finish naturally vary between lots.
- If the page disables a choice, treat it as a compatibility result and adjust the controlling design decision rather than forcing the value.
Practical recommendation
How to make the decision
- Keep the standard choice for hidden internal boards.
- Use a higher appearance expectation only for visible product surfaces.
- Document objective acceptance examples.
Before release
Check these points before adding the quote to cart
- Confirm the selected value matches the released Gerber, drawing, stack-up, BOM or assembly plan.
- Review any fields that changed automatically after this selection.
- Check the board preview and server-calculated estimate before adding the quote to cart.
- Keep the standard choice for hidden internal boards.
- Use a higher appearance expectation only for visible product surfaces.
- Document objective acceptance examples.
Frequently asked questions
Answers for ordering and design review
What should I do if I am unsure about Appearance quality?
Keep the safe compatible default and add a concise question in Special instructions, or ask the TekRabbits concierge for guidance.
When should I change Appearance quality?
Change it when the released electrical, mechanical, thermal, assembly or quality plan gives a measurable reason. Otherwise keep the compatible default and review the resulting board preview and estimate.
Why is an option disabled?
The current material, geometry, layer count, quantity or another selected process makes that combination unavailable. Change the controlling selection or revise the design package rather than trying to bypass the disabled state.
Can I rely on the online choice as final manufacturing approval?
No. The interface screens known combinations and requests pricing, while final manufacturability remains subject to the released files and technical review.
What should I record outside the order form?
Put controlled requirements in the fabrication drawing, assembly drawing, stack-up, BOM or acceptance plan. Use Special instructions only for a concise pointer to that controlled requirement.
Will changing this update other selections?
It can. The order form re-evaluates compatibility and may replace a now-invalid dependent choice before requesting a fresh server-side estimate. Review every highlighted or automatically changed field.
What if the design requires an option that is not offered?
Do not approximate it with a different label. Recheck the controlling material and geometry, document the actual requirement, and request technical review before placing the order.
Further reading
Standards and technical references
Use the latest applicable revision and your organisation’s controlled requirements when a standard forms part of product acceptance.