OpenBuildings™ Station Designer Help

SDNF Export

Used to export your data into a file that will be in the SDNF (Structural Detailing Neutral Files) format.

Accessed from:
  • Backstage: File > Export > Structural > SDNF Export


Note: See the SDNF overview notes for more information about SDNF translation.
SettingDescription
File tab The file tab contains settings used to select an SDNF file (*.dat) and a section mapping file.
  • Name – Displays the name of the selected SDNF file (*.dat).
  • Select – Click to open the Select Steel Detailing Neutral File to Create dialog.
  • Process Master File Only – Select to process and export the master file only.
  • Process Master and Reference Files – Select to process and export master file data and all attached reference file data.
  • Map Section Names – Turn on this check box to select the Section Mapping file to use in this import process. The section names in the mapping file will be applied where the Structural discipline matches the linear structures.
  • Name – Displays the name of the selected section mapping file.
  • Select – Click to open the Select Section Mapping File dialog. In this dialog, you will select the section mapping file.
Selection tab Contains settings used for selecting elements to be exported to the SDNF file.


  • Name – Displays the Select By Resource File name.
  • Select – Opens the Select Criteria Resource File dialog.
  • All — When on, all structural members are selected for export.
  • Use Criteria Set — Specifies the criteria set that selects the structural members. When on, the drop down list is enabled for selection of a criteria set.
  • Use Group — Specifies the group criteria that selects the structural members. When on, the drop down list is enabled for selection of a grouped criteria.
Title Packet tab Contains settings for exporting drawing title entries.


  • Firm Name — Sets the name of the client firm.
  • Client ID — Sets the alpha/numeric ID number for the client.
  • Structure Name — Sets the name for the structural model.
  • Project ID — Sets the alphanumeric ID number for the project.
  • Issue Code — Sets the export issue code.
  • Design Code — Sets the export design code.
  • Revision Number — Sets the export revision number.
OK Closes the dialog, saving any changes you made.
Cancel Closes the dialog, discarding any changes you made.
Key-in: STFEXPORT < SDNF | SDNFEXT >