.PDB File Extension

Database file used by several applications, including Pegasus, Quicken, MS Visual Studio, and Palm Pilot software; stores data in a structured format; typically installed with the corresponding application.

NOTE: PDB files used by different programs are usually saved in a proprietary format, meaning they can only be opened by the program they were installed with. For example, an Intuit Quicken PDB file is not recognized by Microsoft Visual Studio.

Standard data format used by several different programs on Palm-based PDA devices; may store various types of data, such as eBooks, word processing documents, spreadsheets, databases, maps, and image files.

To determine what program created a PDB file, open the file in a text editor. The Type and Creator codes should be located in the header of the file near the top of the document.

Data file created in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) format; stores 3D coordinates specifying the structure of atoms within a protein or other chemical compound; used as a standard format for studying protein structures; also used by the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics (RCSB) for studying biological macromolecules.

Many Protein Data Bank files are made available through the Worldwide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB), an organization that archives macromolecules and freely distributes them.

NOTE: PDB files are often viewed within a Java applet that uses Jmol, an open source molecule visualization package. PDB files are also supported by some molecular viewing browser plugins.

Backup of a PowerDesigner database (.PDM) file; includes data saved in the database as well as references to other files; created as a backup in case the main database file needs to be restored.