File Extension Database

Open SDF File

SDF extension files can acquire various types of formats, ranging from databases to game files.

SQL Server

In this particular case, an SDF file is a Compact Relational Database developed by Microsoft, also known as SQL Server Compact format or known by its acronym SQL CE.

SQL Server is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft, with a wide range of desktop, client-server, web, and mobile applications.

This SDF database is designed for applications running on mobile devices and desktop computers.

SDF contains the entire contents of the database and can be up to 4GB in size.

Previous versions of SQL Server Compact were distributed as SQL Server for Windows CE and SQL Server Mobile Edition.

Spatial Data

In this section, SDF file is a geographic database format used to store infrastructural and geospatial data.

The SDF supports several feature classes, each of which can contain multiple geometric properties.

In any case, the SDF is normally optimized for large datasets of spatial information.

The SDF format was developed by Autodesk and is used by several Autodesk programs, including Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise and AutoCAD Map 3D.

AutoDesk MapGuide

MapGuide is a web-based map-making platform that enables users to quickly develop and deploy web mapping applications and geospatial web services.

MapGuide is OpenSource software.

Standard Data File

Here, the SDF file has a kind of standard database format used to store data in a defined and specific structure.

The SDF uses fixed-length fields to store values, and can be imported and exported by various database and data analysis programs.

The SDF is commonly used to transfer data between different programs.

Structure Data File

Similar to the previous case, but this time with a very specific and particular use, the SDF file is a type of chemical data file created in the Structure Data File format, hence the acronym SDF, which was developed by Molecular Design Limited .

About Molecular Design Limited

MDL Information Systems, Inc., short for Molecular Design Limited, was a provider of research and development computer products to the chemical and life sciences industries.

Today it is part of Symyx Technologies, which was later renamed Accelrys or BIOVIA, a business unit belonging to Dassault Syst�mes.

The SDF file is saved in plain text and contains records of chemical structures, and is used as the standard exchange format for chemical information.

World in Conflict Game Map

In this case, the SDF file is a type of map file used by World in Conflict, a real-time tactical war simulation game.

World in Conflict is a real-time strategy video game developed by Massive Entertainment and published by Vivendi Games for Microsoft Windows.

The SDF stores terrain, spawn points, object locations, and other map details.

Custom maps can be created in the SDF format using WicEd, the World in Conflict map editor.

Software to open an SDF file

Most of the types of formats that a file with the SDF extension acquires do not allow its manual opening, by double clicking on it, therefore this is not recommended

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Microsoft SQL Server Compact Edition Database File

How Can I Open SDF File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open SDF file is to find a SDF file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a SDF file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open SDF file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as SDF file opener then try to search online for "SDF viewer", "application to open SDF file" or "open SDF file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open SDF file

How Can I Open SDF File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a SDF file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a SDF file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with SDF file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as SDF file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open SDF file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open SDF file then try to search for "SDF viewer", "application to open SDF file" or "read SDF file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read SDF file

How Can I Open SDF File on Android

If you downloaded a SDF file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded SDF file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "SDF".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "SDF viewer", "SDF file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open SDF File on iPhone or iPad

To open SDF File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the SDF file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "SDF". This way you can find apps which can open SDF files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "SDF viewer" or "SDF file" online in your favorite search engine.

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