What is the DSD file format?
DSD (AutoCAD Drawing Set Description) is an AutoCAD settings file used for batch publishing operations. .dsd files are simple text files with an INI-style syntax and can be edited with AutoCAD or any plain text editor. Each file contains publication settings for a set of drawing sheets destined for DWF, DWFx, PDF, or plotter output. DSD files store the default settings for exporting projects, including source .dwg file paths, layout names, and output destination.
Generating DSD files
By default, a .dsd file is created automatically to save the most recently selected publication settings each time you use AutoCAD's PUBLISH command or Batch Plot dialog. It is common among users to edit .dsd files using scripts to automate batch publishing - for example, updating file paths or adding new sheets programmatically. This way the publishing process can be streamlined and customized further without requiring manual interaction with the AutoCAD GUI.
Internally, a .dsd file is organized as named INI sections: each sheet appears under a [DWF6 Sheet:SheetName] header with key-value pairs for the source file, layout name, and plot settings. A [Target] section defines the output format and file destination. The format has remained stable from AutoCAD 2004 through AutoCAD 2026.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWDSD files are plain text configuration files that specify file paths and plot settings. They cannot execute code directly. The only risk is that a DSD file might reference malicious DWG files; AutoCAD DWG files can embed scripts (LISP/scripts) that execute on open, so apply standard caution when opening DWGs from untrusted sources.
Format details
in a nutshell- Direct Stream Digital audio (Sony/Philips SACD) - High-resolution audio format used on Super Audio CDs; completely unrelated to the AutoCAD DSD settings file.
Programs that open DSD files
Windows3 apps
AutoCAD
Paid In AutoCAD, type PUBLISH at the command prompt; in the Publish dialog use 'Load Sheet List' to open the DSD file and execute the batch publish. 
Windows Notepad / any text editor
Built-in Right-click → Open with → Notepad to read or edit the INI-style text content (useful for fixing file paths). 
macOS1 app
Technical details
deep spec| Format type | INI-style plain-text batch-publish configuration |
| Encoding | Windows-1252 or UTF-8 (ASCII in practice) |
| Container | Plain text; no binary wrapper |
| Sheet section format | `[DWF6 Sheet:SheetName]` with key-value pairs per sheet |
| Properties per sheet | Source `.dwg` path, layout name, plot settings override, sheet title, sheet number |
| Output target section | `[Target]` block specifying output format (DWF, DWFx, PDF, plotter) and destination path |
| Typical file size | 1 KB - 50 KB (scales with sheet count) |
| Associated OS | Windows; macOS (AutoCAD for Mac) |
| Created by | AutoCAD `PUBLISH` command / Batch Plot dialog (AutoCAD 2004+) |
| Related format | `.dst` (Drawing Set Table, Sheet Set Manager) - related but distinct purpose |
| Released | AutoCAD 2004 (introduced with the Publish / Batch Plot feature) |
| Latest version | Current as of AutoCAD 2026 (format unchanged) |
| Specification | docs.fileformat.com |
DSD conversions
Community Q&A
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