.MDF File Extension
Media Disc Image File
| Developer | Alcohol Software |
| Popularity |
4.0 | 502 Votes |
What is an MDF file?
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Programs that open MDF files
SQL Server Database
| Developer | Microsoft |
| Popularity |
4.1 | 301 Votes |
An MDF file may also be a Microsoft SQL Server database. MDF files typically contain several linked data tables, comprised of fields (columns) and records (rows). Using Microsoft SQL Server, database administrators can create, manage, and retrieve data from MDF files.
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Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system for Windows. It is available in many editions, including Enterprise, Standard, and Express. Each edition is tailored for a different level of use.
When a user creates a new SQL Server database, that database is saved as an MDF file. MDF files contain not only a database's tables and schema, but any views, stored procedures, indexes, and constraints associated with that database. When a user opens an MDF file with SQL Server Management Studio (an administration app included with SQL Server), they can view and edit the database's data and other objects.
MDF files are often stored alongside similarly-named .LDF files, which record a log of recent database transactions. In some cases, a database's data may be split across an MDF and .NDF file. Typically, to use a database that is split into an MDF and NDF file, you must possess both files.
NOTE: MDF files are also known as Master Database Files and Microsoft Database Files.
How to open an MDF file
You can open an MDF file with Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, which is included with Microsoft SQL Server:
- Log in to a server in SQL Server Management Studio.
- In Object Explorer, right-click Databases and select Attach....
- In the Attach Databases window, click Add....
- In the Locate Database Files window, navigate to and select your MDF file.
- Click OK in both the Locate Database Files and Attach Databases windows.
You can then view and manage the database your MDF file contains in SQL Server Management Studio.
You can also open MDF files with Microsoft Visual Studio (as described here), Aryson SQL Database Recovery, and SysTools MDF Viewer.
Programs that open MDF files
Measurement Data Format File
| Developer | Vector |
| Popularity |
3.9 | 86 Votes |
Standard file format used by the automotive industry for storing measurement data; contains raw measurement data from a measurement and the metadata necessary to interpret the raw data.
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NOTE: The Vector MDF Validator is used for validating MDF files.
Programs that open MDF files
Translation Memory Data Find File
| Developer | SDL |
| Popularity |
3.5 | 67 Votes |
Supporting file for a translation memory used by Trados translation software; enables fast look up of data within the translation memory.