.SDF File Extension

SDF files exist as 5 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: SQL Server Compact Database File

The .sdf file extension is commonly used for compact relational databases saved in SQL Server Compact format by Microsoft. These database files contain complete structures and data, up to 4GB in size....

General Information

Title SDF File Extension
Extension .sdf
Full Form SQL Server Compact Database File
File Type Database File
Developer Microsoft
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store data
Additional Functions Data manipulation, Synchronization
Features Self-contained, Serverless

File Characteristics

Quality High reliability
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable With software

Use Cases

Embedded Applications Yes
Mobile Apps Yes
Desktop Apps Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Data leakage
Best Practices Encryption, Regular backups

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 2004
Latest Version SQL Server Compact 4.0 SP1 (2011)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .mdf, .ldf, .sqlce

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Microsoft SQL Server Compact Free Windows
Microsoft Visual Studio Free, Paid editions Windows
LINQPad Free, Paid editions Windows

Type 2: Spatial Data Format File

General Information

Title SDF File Extension
Extension .sdf
Full Form Spatial Data Format File
File Type Data File
Developer Autodesk
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store spatial data
Additional Functions Geodata representation, manipulation
Features Geospatial Information, Multi-user access

File Characteristics

Quality High precision
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency No
Editable Yes, with software

Use Cases

GIS Mapping Yes
Urban Planning Yes
Environmental Analysis Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Data corruption
Best Practices Regular backups, version control

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 2006
Latest Version Depends on software

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .shp, .gdb, .dwg, .dxf

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Autodesk AutoCAD Map 3D Paid Windows
Autodesk Infrastructure Map Server Paid Windows, Linux
FDO Toolbox Free Windows
Safe Software FME Paid Windows, Mac, Linux

Type 3: Standard Database Format

General Information

Title SDF File Extension
Extension .sdf
Full Form Structure Data File
File Type Chemical Data File
Developer Molecular Design Limited
MIME Type chemical/x-mdl-sdfile

File Function

Primary Function Store chemical data
Additional Functions Exchange molecules, properties
Features Text-based, Multiple molecules

File Characteristics

Quality Structured data
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Drug Discovery Yes
Chemical Informatics Yes
Research Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Low risk
Best Practices Data validation

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1980s
Latest Version Varies by software

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .mol, .cdx, .cml

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
ChemDraw Paid Windows, Mac
Open Babel Free Windows, Mac, Linux
Biovia Discovery Studio Paid Windows

Type 4: Structure Data File

SDF files store data in structured format. Programs running on databases use this format. Its fields have constant length. This simplifies data transfer between programs. SDF uses fixed length field...

General Information

Title SDF File Extension
Extension .sdf
Full Form Structure Data File
File Type Chemical Data File
Developer Molecular Design Limited
MIME Type chemical/x-mdl-sdfile

File Function

Primary Function Store molecular data
Additional Functions Exchange chemical structures
Features Text-based, Multi-molecule

File Characteristics

Quality Standardized data
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Chemical Informatics Yes
Drug Discovery Yes
Laboratory Research Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Minimal
Best Practices Data validation, Consistent formatting

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1980s
Latest Version V2000 (most common), V3000

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .mol, .cdx, .cml

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Avogadro Free Windows, Mac, Linux
Open Babel Free Windows, Mac, Linux
Biovia Discovery Studio Paid Windows

Type 5: World in Conflict Game Map

The SDF file stores terrain, spawn points, object locations, and other map details for the game World in Conflict. Custom maps can be created in the SDF format using WicEd, the World in Conflict map e...

General Information

Title SDF File Extension
Extension .sdf
Full Form Standard Data Format
File Type Game Map File
Developer Massive Entertainment
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store game maps
Additional Functions Contain terrain, objects
Features Binary format

File Characteristics

Quality High detail
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency Not applicable
Editable With editor

Use Cases

Game Level Design Yes
Multiplayer Maps Yes
Modding Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Low risk
Best Practices Validate, backup files

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 2007
Updates Patched with game

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .map, .mis, .wic

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
World in Conflict Commercial Windows
World in Conflict Editor Bundled Windows