Opening SDF Files

The SDF file type is primarily associated with SQL Server Compact.

SDF	File extension: SDF
	File type:	SQL Server Compact database file

What is an SDF file?

SDF files mostly belong to SQL Server Compact by Microsoft. SDF files are standard database format files utilized for storing data within a structured format. These files are commonly used for transferring data between various programs, such as dBase, a database management system for microcomputers.

Main Usage: The SDF files are imported and exported by various programs, where they are subsequently edited and updated at the discretion of the user. This format is a freely available documentation system that is based on a readable markup language, where it can generate output in various formats, all of which are derived from a single document source. The most popular supported export formats of these databases include HTML, PostScript, PDF, and LaTeX.
Alternatives: In addition to being utilized by programs such as dBase, SDF files are also known to contain compact relational database information saved within the SQL Server Compact format, developed by Microsoft. The average SDF file contains the complete contents of the database and can be up to 4 GB in size. SQL Server Compact can access and modify the database files, both on a smart device and a desktop computers by using SQL Server Management Studio along with other programs.

How to open SDF files

You need a suitable software like SQL Server Compact to open an SDF file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your SDF file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a SDF file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online SDF Text Viewer

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Programs that open and convert SDF files:

SQL Server Compact by Microsoft
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. SDF files are often referred to as SQL Server Compact databases because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
AutoCAD (Spatial Data Format file) by Autodesk
AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software used to create 2D and 3D drawings. SDF is a file format for storing geospatial data that is supported by the AutoCAD Map 3D Toolset in AutoCAD. The SDF format can also be opened using Infrastructure Map Server (now discontinued), which was previously called MapGuide. This file format is classified as GIS. Related links: AutoCAD on Wikipedia, AutoCAD Map 3D Toolset, SDF Format in AutoCAD Map 3D Help, Export to SDF from AutoCAD, Open Using MapGuide
Ground Control (game map file) by Massive Entertainment
Ground Control is a real-time tactics video game developed by Massive Entertainment. An SDF file stores a game map in Ground Control. This file format is classified as Game. Related links: Ground Control on Wikipedia, SDF Files in Ground Control, Tools for Working with SDF Files, Ground Control Gameplay, Ground Control Game Trailer
ISE Design Suite (Standard Delay Format file) by Xilinx
ISE Design Suite (Integrated Synthesis Environment Design Suite) is a discontinued hardware description language (HDL) design environment that allows designing Xilinx FPGA and CPLD integrated circuits. The SDF Standard Delay Format file stores true timing delay information that is used during the simulation of a design. This file format is classified as Developer. Related links: ISE Design Suite on Wikipedia, SDF Files Mentioned in ISE Design Suite Documentation, SDF Files Mentioned in Xilinx Tutorial, Timing Simulation Video Tutorial Mentioning SDF Files, ISE Design Suite Tutorial
MSN Explorer (local machine mail storage file) by Microsoft
MSN Explorer is a discontinued software that combines a web browser based on Internet Explorer with email, messaging, and other services. SDF files are responsible for synchronization in MSN Explorer. They store local copies of emails. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: MSN Explorer on Wikipedia, Archived Web Page of MSN Explorer, SDF Files in Microsoft Support Article, Forum Discussion About SDF Files, Video Exploring MSN Explorer
Score Player FX (Score Player FX File) by Kawai
This file format is classified as Audio.
Sharpdesk (Sharpdesk document) by Sharp
Sharpdesk is a document management application that is included with Sharp's scanners and other devices. SDF is a Sharpdesk document file that can be opened and edited in Sharpdesk Composer, which is a component of Sharpdesk. This file format is classified as Page Layout. Related links: Sharpdesk User's Guide, Sharpdesk Brochure, SDF Format Mentioned on Sharpdesk's Specifications Page, Sharpdesk Installation Video Tutorial
Soundweb Designer (Soundweb Designer file) by BSS Audio
Soundweb Designer is the software used for designing the layout of a network of Soundweb audio devices from BSS Audio. An SDF file (also known as system design file) stores all the information about a Soundweb design. This file format is classified as Misc. Related links: SDF Files Mentioned in BSS Manual, SDF Files Mentioned in Soundweb Designer Guide (Download Link), Forum Discussion Mentioning SDF Files, Soundweb Designer Video Tutorial
SQL Server (SQL Server Compact database file) by Microsoft
SQL Server is a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) from Microsoft. It can work with the SDF file format, which is used by SQL Server Compact database files. This file format is classified as Database. Related links: SQL Server on Wikipedia, How to Migrate SDF Database to SQL Server, Forum Discussion About Opening SDF Files in SQL Server
Visual Studio (SQL Server Compact database file) by Microsoft
Visual Studio is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) from Microsoft. It can work with the SDF file format, which is used by SQL Server Compact database files. This file format is classified as Database. Related links: Visual Studio on Wikipedia, How to Convert SQL Server to SDF in Visual Studio, How to Open SDF Files in Visual Studio, Forum Discussion About Opening SDF Files in Visual Studio

SDF file format details:

To find out what program is needed to open SDF files, you need to determine the file format. The first characters in a file identify the file format, for example, HTML files start with the bytes <html>. However, different programs can use the same file extension. Furthermore, a file extension can be renamed incorrectly and double-clicking on it will then display an error when it is opened. If there are problems opening a file, you must first determine the file format used. Below you will find our evaluation of the SDF files:

The SDF file extension is quite widespread and covers different formats for different programs. The file formats most commonly found in SDF files are:

40% of all SDF files lack a unique signature. These files are binary files, so they do not contain text, but only cryptic characters. A typical file size is 2 MB. This file type is based on cutting-edge technology. Such files sometimes refer to database, data, server, trader, ninja, base, mail, mylibrary and entry.
4% of all SDF files use the same file format, which can be identified by the letters "80 55 77 9F 00 00 00 00 F8 01" at the beginning. These are binary files, so they do not contain words or text. A typical file size is 1 MB. The following filename is common: Umbraco.sdf.

The remaining 56% of all SDF files are different files with different signatures, often, for example, Gazebo Spatial Data File, Ground Control II, SQL Server CE Edition database, Kawai music score, SQL, UTF-8, GameDifficulty, Quinolinecarboxylic, SDF, profileNames, RAS and PsychoMouse. Files like these are sometimes linked to game, options, library, structures, antiviral or structure. If you want to find out which format your SDF file belongs to, just click on the button "Choose your .sdf file to analyze".

Technical Data for SDF File Extension

File classification:

Database

Related files:

sd, mol, sfd, zip, sdfdata, ttw, sdk, sdfa, sdl, zsdf, exjob, sds, sbf, ttp, pdf, cpp, btr, swf, xml, sdg

Mime type:

application/octet-stream, text/plain, chemical/x-mdl-sdfile

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: sdfFile, FileType: ShowBiz DVD File, AppName: ShowBiz DVD
EXEFile: showbizdvd.exe

ProgramID: Composition.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Sharp\Sharpdesk\Sharpdesk.EXE %1

ProgramID: KPS.Stampimator
EXEFile: C:\KPSTUDIO\picker.exe %1

ProgramID: ProtelSimViewFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Design Explorer 99 SE\Client99SE.exe %1

ProgramID: sdfFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ArcSoft\ShowBiz DVD\showbizdvd.exe %1

ProgramID: SDFile
EXEFile: C:\Norman\Nvc\BIN\NVCOD.EXE @%1

ProgramID: SDFile
EXEFile: D:\Norman\Nvc\BIN\NVCOD.EXE @%1

ProgramID: KPS.Stampimator
EXEFile: C:\kidpix\picker.exe %1

ProgramID: SDFile
EXEFile: F:\Downloads\Nvc\BIN\NVCOD.EXE @%1

ProgramID: SDFile
EXEFile: F:\NORMAN\Nvc\BIN\NVCOD.EXE @%1

ProgramID: SDDocuments.AtomisticTrajectory3dDocument.1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Accelrys\MS Modeling 3.2\Studio\MatStudio.exe

ProgramID: SharpDesk.Composer
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Toshiba\DESKTO~1\COMPOS~1.EXE %1

ProgramID: LayoutEditor.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Lexmark\LEXMAR~1\TEMPLA~1.EXE %1

ProgramID: taspring.demofile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\TASpring\spring.exe

ProgramID: SimulationDataFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Dxp.exe

ProgramID: SDFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\VIRUSfighter\Nvc\BIN\NVCOD.EXE @%1

ProgramID: ProtelSimViewFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Protel99\Client99SE.exe

ProgramID: SDFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Norman\NVC\bin\nvcod.exe @%1

ProgramID: PC Doctor File
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\GetFLV\GetFLV.exe

Show all 19 listings To Top

an sdf SQL Server Compact database file is a special file format by Microsoft and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with SDF files

Associate the SDF file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open sql server compact database files. Because only the current version supports the latest SDF file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Microsoft manufacturer website after an available SQL Server Compact update.
To make sure that your SDF file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .SDF file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.