.PDB File Extension

A PDB file may also be a text-based data file that describes the three-dimensional structure of a protein, nucleic acid, or other molecule. It contains the coordinates of individual atoms along with information about the molecule, such as its chains, residues, and experimental details. Scientists and researchers use PDB files to view, analyze, and share molecular structures.

The PDB format is the legacy file format of the Protein Data Bank (PDB), which is maintained by the Worldwide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB). PDBx/mmCIF has been the primary format for the PDB archive since 2014 and is designed to store newer, larger structures that the older PDB format cannot fully represent. Researchers can determine molecular structures using techniques such as X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and cryo-electron microscopy, then deposit the resulting structural data in the PDB archive.

You can open PDB files with various applications, including Jmol, RasMol, and Avogadro. Additionally, you can use a text editor to view and modify the plain text content of PDB files.

A PDB file may also be a project created by Tanida Demo Builder, a software application designed to create tutorials, presentations, and demonstrations to show how software and systems work. It contains a collection of recorded screen scenes, imported videos, and images that make up the presentation content.

Typically, users involved in creating educational or training content use PDB files. Demo Builder lets users enhance projects with animations, effects, and annotations. The software compresses these components into the PDB format, aiding in organization and project management.

You can open PDB files with Tanida Demo Builder. To open the file, select File → Open.

Tanida Demo Builder PDB file can convert PDB projects to various formats, including the following:

• .MP4 - MPEG-4 Video
• .AVI - Audio Video Interleave File
• .EXE - Windows Executable File

A PDB file may also be a backup created by Sybase PowerDesigner, a data modeling program for designing databases. It contains a backup of a PowerDesigner Database Model (.PDM) file, which includes all the database's structural data and may include references to other files in the database project. Users create PDB files to safeguard the database blueprint and data structure, allowing them to restore the database if the original PDM file becomes corrupted or lost.

PowerDesigner users, typically database administrators and developers, commonly create PDB files as part of their routine data management and backup processes. The PDB files are essential for maintaining data integrity and ensuring business continuity in case of data loss. Users often store PDB files in secure locations within organizational backups.

NOTE: Sybase initially developed PowerDesigner but SAP acquired the software in 2010.

You can open PDB files with Sybase PowerDesigner. If PowerDesigner is installed on your system, you can double-click the PDB file to open it.

A PDB file may also be a database file used by Palm Desktop, a personal information management program for Palm handheld devices and computers. It stores various data types, such as contacts, calendar events, tasks, notes, and other personal information that Palm devices and Palm Desktop software synchronize between the PC and Palm handhelds. PDB files are largely obsolete now as Palm devices have been replaced by modern devices.

People commonly used these files during the era of Palm PDAs, creating and exporting them through Palm Desktop software. Although technology has evolved beyond Palm devices, you may still encounter PDB files when restoring data from older devices running Palm OS or on computers with Palm Desktop installed.

You can open PDB files with Palm Desktop software, originally designed to organize and manage data on Palm OS devices. If you do not have access to Palm Desktop, XnViewMP can also open PDB files.