.MDE File Extension

MDE files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: Compiled Access Add-in File

General Information

Title MDE File Extension
Extension .mde
Full Form Compiled Access Add-in File
File Type Database File
Developer Microsoft
MIME Type application/vnd.ms-access

File Function

Primary Function Store database
Additional Functions Restrict editing, Compile VBA code
Features Compiled code, Locked design

File Characteristics

Quality High efficiency
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable No (Read-only)

Use Cases

Data Management Yes
Application Deployment Yes
Reporting Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Code execution
Best Practices Regular updates, Access control

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Mid-1990s
Latest Version Associated with Access 2019

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .mdb, .accdb, .ade, .accde

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Microsoft Access Paid Windows

Type 2: Archicad Education Module

The educational version of Archicad creates an MDE file to store a module. The module formats are the same, but use different file extensions. You can open an MDE file with the standard version of Arc...

General Information

Title MDE File Extension
Extension .mde
Full Form ArchiCAD Educational Version Module File
File Type CAD Project File
Developer Graphisoft
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store project data
Additional Functions Educational use
Features 3D models, 2D drawings

File Characteristics

Quality High precision
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency Yes
Editable Limited

Use Cases

Architectural Design Yes
Educational Purposes Yes
Project Presentations Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks File corruption
Best Practices Regular backups, Version control

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Associated with ArchiCAD's release
Latest Version Depends on ArchiCAD version

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .pln, .tpl, .mod, .gsm

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Graphisoft ArchiCAD Educational license Windows, macOS