When using Bentley StormCAD in AutoCAD mode, there are three files that fundamentally define a Bentley StormCAD model model:

• Drawing File (.DWG)--The AutoCAD drawing file contains the custom entities that define the model, in addition to the planimetric base drawing information that serves as the model background.
• Model File(.stsw)--The model file contains model data specific to Bentley StormCAD , including model option settings, color-coding and annotation settings, etc.
• Database File (.MDB)--The model database file that contains all of the input and output data for the model.

To send the model to another user, all three files are required.

The two files will have the same base name. It is important to understand that archiving the drawing file is not sufficient to reproduce the model. You must also preserve the associated .stsw and .MDB files.

Since the .stsw file can be run and modified separately from the .DWG file using Stand-Alone Editor, it is quite possible for the two files to get out of sync. Should you ever modify the model in Stand-Alone Editor mode and then later load the AutoCAD .DWG file, the Bentley StormCAD program will compare file dates, and automatically use the built-in AutoCAD synchronization routine.

Click one of the following links to learn more about AutoCAD model files and Bentley StormCAD :