File Menu

The File menu can be accessed from the horizontal top bar menu at the top of the screen.

Tip: see the DesignBuilder Model Files help page for advice on file storage, backups etc.

The following options are available when a file is open:

New file (Ctrl+N) - create a new DesignBuilder dsb file.
Open file (Ctrl+O) - Open an existing DesignBuilder dsb file.
Close (Ctrl+F4) - close the currently open DesignBuilder dsb file and returned to the opening screen.
Print - Print current view
Load results file - load a previously generated ESO file.

Save (Ctrl+S) - Save currently open DesignBuilder dsb file. If no file is currently loaded then this command saves the libraries.
Save without output results - save the current DesignBuilder dsb file without output results reducing the file size. Use this option if you plan to send the dsb file by e-mail or to the support forums.
Save as (F12) - save the DesignBuilder dsb file using a different name/location.
Save as template - save the DesignBuilder dsb file as a template so it can be used as a starting point for subsequent new projects.

Merge model from file - import the attribute settings, components and templates, HVAC system, assemblies and component blocks from a previously created DesignBuilder model into a newly modified one.
Import 2-D DXF floorplan - import a 2-D DXF floorplan into the model for tracing over.
Import detailed survey data - import a survey data file into the model (advanced option - contact DesignBuilder support for more information on this)
Import building from external file - import a building into the current model from an external file. The option assumes that there is only one building in the external file and requires that there is at least one building in the destination file.
Import assembly library - imports an assembly library from an external asl file previously created using the Export assembly library command.
Import library data - import library data from an existing DDF file.

Export EnergyPlus Heating design IDF file - export an IDF file using options for heating design calculations.
Export EnergyPlus Cooling design IDF file - export an IDF file using options for cooling design calculations.
Export EnergyPlus Simulation design IDF file - export an IDF file using options for simulation using hourly weather data.
Export model image - export the currently displayed image of the model.
Export 3-D DXF model - export the model in 3-D DXF format.
Export gbXML model - exports the current building geometry in gbXML format including layered constructions, materials, glazing and shading devices for use in another compatible program.
Export to MasterClima 11300 - exports the current building data in a format compatible with MasterClima 11300. Contact SGM our Italian reseller for more details.
Export assembly library - exports the current assembly library to an asl file for importing into another model.
Export CSV report file - export a summary of the model in spreadsheet format.
Export library data - export library data in DDF format.

EnergyPlus folder - opens a Windows Explorer window in the folder used by DesignBuilder for storing temporary EnergyPlus files.
Weather data folder - opens a Windows Explorer window in the folder where the hourly weather files are stored.
Library data folder - opens a Windows Explorer window in the folder where library data files are stored.
Template projects folder - opens a Windows Explorer window in the folder where dsb file templates are stored. File templates are available for selection on the second tab of the Add new project dialog.