How to Connect to a Local Database (.MDF) File

Overview

FireCAD uses SQL Server LocalDB to manage device and template data. By default, the (localdb)\firecad connection points to the database files installed with FireCAD. You can change this connection to point to your own .MDF and .LDF files stored on a local drive, USB drive, or network location.

This is useful when you maintain a custom device database and want to share it with your team — place the files on a shared network drive and have each user browse to the same location.

Prerequisites

• FireCAD must be installed
• You need access to the .MDF and .LDF files (these are always a pair and must be kept together)

Changing the Local Database Connection

1. Open the Project Creation Wizard or Update Project dialog.
2. In the database connection area, click the Browse button.
3. Navigate to the folder containing your .MDF and .LDF files.
4. Select the .MDF file and click Open.

The (localdb)\firecad connection will point to this location until you change it again.

Sharing a Database Across Your Team

To share a single device database with multiple users:

1. Copy your .MDF and .LDF files to a shared network drive that all team members can access.
2. Have each user open FireCAD and follow the steps above to browse to the shared location.
3. Each user's (localdb)\firecad connection will now point to the shared database.

All users will have access to the same custom devices and templates. When you update the database, everyone picks up the changes on their next project creation or update.

Important Notes

• The .MDF and .LDF files are a pair — always move or copy them together.
• Only one user should modify the database at a time to avoid conflicts.
• After changing the connection, create a new project or update an existing project to use devices from the new database.

Related Articles

• Creating a New Project
• Updating a Project
• Download and Set Up Local DB Starter File

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