DesignBuilder XML (dsbXML) is an alternative model file format that includes the full model description and is an XML equivalent of the SKH binary format that is compressed within standard DSB model files. File format aside, the only difference between dsbXML files and SKH files is that dsbXML files do not include calculation results.
DesignBuilder XML files have extension .xml and can be:
Exported using the File > Export > Export model as XML menu command, and,
Imported using the File > Import > Import model from XML menu command.
The dsbXML file format is especially useful in 2 ways:
It supports forward compatibility. In other words, you can import a dsbXML file exported in a more recent version of the software into an older version. Note that the earliest version to support dsbXML is v7.2. Like the other model file formats, dsb and skh, it also supports backward compatibility.
It can be read and written by 3rd party applications enabling interoperability with DesignBuilder without using the API.
Note: The Include library data in exported DesignBuilder XML program option setting can be used to control whether library data is included in the exported dsbXML file.
Note: The DesignBuilder XML User Guide explains how to export and import models in XML, details the schema structure, object hierarchy and geometry definitions, and provides best practices for interoperability with third-party tools. Information is provided on how to include library data for self-contained packages, validate against the official schema, and even generate models programmatically for integration with other applications. It also covers advanced topics such as HVAC networks, loops, and components, equipping you to create, edit, and manage XML files effectively.
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