What is the DB1 file format?
A .db1 file is the primary model database of a Tekla Structures project, produced by Trimble's structural BIM software (formerly Tekla Corporation, acquired by Trimble in 2011). It stores the complete 3D structural model: member geometry, cross-section profiles, materials, connections, phases, and project metadata.
The file is a proprietary binary container whose contents are zlib-compressed. It always resides inside a named model folder alongside companion files: .db2 (drawing database), .db3 (numbering database), and model.ini (project settings). The .db1 filename must match the enclosing folder name - an isolated .db1 file copied without its full folder cannot be opened. Tekla Structures converts older model files automatically when opened in a newer version, but downgrading is not supported.
Because the format is proprietary and evolves with each Tekla Structures release, it cannot be parsed by generic tools. For interoperability with other BIM tools, Tekla exports to IFC, CIS/2, and DXF/DWG rather than sharing the .db1 directly. Models for large construction projects typically range from a few hundred MB to over 10 GB.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWDB1 files are passive proprietary data containers. They cannot execute code and contain only BIM/structural engineering model data. No known attack vectors specific to this format.
Format details
in a nutshell- S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game archive - S.T.A.L.K.E.R. PC game series (GSC Game World) uses .db0-.db9 files as asset pack archives, extracted with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Database Extractor.
- Generic SQLite backup / numbered database - Some backup tools and database programs append '1' to create file sequences (.db, .db1, .db2…); these are usually SQLite databases.
Programs that open DB1 files
Windows2 apps
Tekla Structures
Paid Open Tekla Structures, click Open Model, navigate to the model folder (not the .db1 directly); file name must match folder name.
Tekla Structures Student / Trial
Free Free trial/student version available on the Tekla website - opens .db1 models with full feature access for evaluation. Technical details
deep spec| File type | Proprietary binary BIM model database |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream |
| Magic bytes | None publicly documented; content is zlib-compressed (zlib frames start with 78 9C, 78 DA, or 78 5E) |
| Byte order | Little-endian (x86 platform; within the zlib-decompressed data stream) |
| Compression | zlib - entire file content is zlib-compressed |
| Typical size | 100 MB - 10 GB (large construction models with thousands of structural members) |
| Model content | 3D geometry, structural members, cross-sections, materials, connections, phases, and project metadata |
| Required companion files | .db2 (drawing database), .db3 (numbering database), model.ini (project settings) - all must be in the same model folder |
| File naming constraint | .db1 filename must exactly match the enclosing model folder name; mismatched files cannot be opened |
| Version compatibility | Newer Tekla Structures converts older .db1 files automatically on open; downgrade to an older version is not supported |
| Identification method | By folder context and companion files (.db2, .db3, model.ini); no public magic bytes for reliable detection |
| Software | Trimble Tekla Structures (formerly Tekla Corporation, acquired 2011); Windows only |
| BIM export alternatives | IFC, CIS/2, DSTV, DXF/DWG - used for third-party BIM interoperability instead of sharing the .db1 file |
| Third-party extraction | Convert.guru db1 converter can extract model content to SQL, CSV, or Excel formats |
| Released | mid-1990s (Tekla Structures / Xsteel product line) |
| Latest version | Tekla Structures 2024 (format evolves with software versions; no public version number) |
| Specification | support.tekla.com |
DB1 conversions
Community Q&A
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