What's the SDF File?

By:   |   Refreshed: December 05, 2018

Microsoft Silver

SDF File Summary

There are five file types associated with the SDF File Extension, with the most widely-observed being the SQL Server Compact Database File format. According to our database, eight distinct software programs (conventionally, Microsoft Visual Studio developed by Microsoft Corporation) will enable you to view these files. SDF files are categorized ordinarily as Database Files. Other file types can be GIS Files or Data Files.

Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems can be used to view SDF files. Both desktop and mobile devices enable you to view and (sometimes) edit these files, depending on the software used. The SDF File Extension carries a Popularity Rating of "Low", meaning that these files are scarcely found in most user's file stores.

Although there is a lot more to know about SDF files, those are the most important details of these types of files. If you are having trouble opening these files, or would like more detailed information, please see our comprehensive information below.

Low
Demand
738
File Rank

/ 11690

Active

Relevance

5

December

2018

Amended

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Known SDF Files

  5 known file types use this extension

Primary SDF File Association

.SDF
File Name:.sdf
Class:SQL Server Compact Database File

The SDF File extension is likely related to Microsoft SQL Server for a compact database file and many other third-party software programs like embedded database files for storing several data in a single file like using Microsoft SQL server.The SDF file is the file which comprises the complete contents of the database and its size reach to 4 GB.

Author: Microsoft Corporation
File Category:Database Files
Subkey: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.sdf

Software Programs That Open The SQL Server Compact Database File:


Microsoft Visual Studio by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Microsoft SQL Server by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

More SDF Files

.SDF
File Name:.sdf
Class:Spatial Data Format File

This SDF file extension is related to the Autodesk MapGuide which is a free and open source project that enables users to build web-based mapping applications and geospatial web services. The SDF file was developed by Autodesk and stores infrastructural and spatial data that supports multiple feature classes that may contain multiple geometric properties.

Author: Autodesk, Inc.
File Category:GIS Files

Software Programs That Open Spatial Data Format File Files:


AutoCAD Map 3D by Autodesk, Inc.

Compatible with:

Windows

Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D by Autodesk, Inc.

Compatible with:

Windows

MapGuide Open Source by Autodesk, Inc.

Compatible with:

Windows
Linux
.SDF
File Name:.sdf
Class:Standard Data File

This File extension is related to Standard Data Format which is one of the standards for data transfer that features fixed length ASCII text. The file was used primarily in the past in certain database programs. It is used for storing data in a structured format and frequently used for transferring data between different programs.

Author: dBase, LLC
File Category:Data Files

Software Programs That Open Standard Data File Files:


dBase by dBase, LLC

Compatible with:

Windows
.SDF
File Name:.sdf
Class:World In Conflict Game Map

This file extension is a Map file used by The World in Conflict which is a real-time tactics war simulation game. This file is used to stores the terrain, spawn points, item locations, and various other map details that all used for multiplayer gameplay.

Author: Massive Entertainment
File Category:Game Files

Software Programs That Open World In Conflict Game Map Files:


Massive Entertainment World in Conflict by Massive Entertainment

Compatible with:

Windows
.SDF
File Name:.sdf
Class:Structure Data File

SDF Chemical data file is one of a family of chemical-data file formats that was created and developed by Molecular Design Limited (MDL) which saved in plain text and contains chemical structure records. These chemical structure records are used as a standard exchange format for chemicals information.

Author: Symyx Technologies
File Category:Data Files

Software Programs That Open Structure Data File Files:


Avogadro by Open Source

Compatible with:

Windows
Mac
Linux

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SDF File Popularity


OS Rank

Windows 7 (48%)
Windows 10 (42%)
Windows 8.1 (5%)
Windows XP (2%)

Primary Browsers

Chrome (58.80%)
Firefox (11.05%)
Internet Explorer (9.04%)
Edge (8.46%)
Safari (3.87%)


Troubleshoot SDF Files


Issues Opening SDF Files

Microsoft Visual Studio Isn't There

When you double-click your SDF file, you may see a dialog box from your operating system stating that it "Cannot Open This File Type". Customarily, this means that Microsoft Visual Studio is not installed on %%os%%. The OS won't know what to do with your SDF file, so double-clicking to load the file doesn't work.


Tip: Another SDF-related program can be selected to open the file by clicking "Show Apps" and finding the application.


Obsolete Version of Microsoft Visual Studio

Your SQL Server Compact Database File file is incompatible with Microsoft Visual Studio because you might have the wrong version installed. Visit the Microsoft Corporation website to download (or purchase) the latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio. Most of the time your SQL Server Compact Database File file was created by a newer Microsoft Visual Studio than what you have installed.


Tip: You can sometimes get hints about the right program version by right-clicking on the SDF file, selecting "Properties", and looking at the version information.


Conclusion: The majority of SDF file opening issues are due to not having the correct Microsoft Visual Studio version installed.


More Causes of Problems Opening SDFs

Even with the correct version of Microsoft Visual Studio installed, you can still experience difficulties opening SDFs. Other SDF opening errors can be created by other system problems inside of %%os%%. These issues include:

  • Invalid SDF file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
  • Corruption of the SDF file description inside the Registry
  • Incomplete or bad installation of a software application associated with the SDF format
  • File corruption affecting your SDF file
  • SDF file integrity has been compromised by malware
  • Drivers associated with SDF software need to be updated
  • Insufficient system resources to successfully open SQL Server Compact Database File files

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