BDBX File

What are BDBX files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a BDBX file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your BDBX files.

What is a BDBX file?

A .BDBX file is a Blaise Data Base file.

Blaise Data Base files store responses and metadata collected during surveys using Blaise 5, a data‐collection system developed by the National Statistical Institute of the Netherlands. These files act as local databases containing interview data, session information, validation status, audit trails, and other operational fields needed for survey workflows. The files are generated by Blaise when a survey is run locally or on a server to record the actual data. They are read by Blaise components such as the Data Viewer, Data Service, or any tool using the Blaise Data Provider for .NET when extracting or analyzing data.

These files are part of the Blaise NG ("Next Generation") platform. The format is the default storage method for survey data in Blaise 5. It replaced older Blaise formats ("bdb" in earlier versions) when relational database support was added. Blaise survey definitions use Data Interface files (.bdix), which link the logical structure of questionnaire models to data stored in these database files. Researchers and survey administrators use the format both to collect data and to migrate older Blaise 4 data into Blaise 5 using conversion tools.

The internal structure uses an SQLite database engine. This brings standard features like transactional integrity, Unicode support, zero-administration, and a self-contained file. The schema includes tables for tracking things like sequence numbers, form identifiers, save status, data streams, modes, GUIDs, and validation status. Key SQL constructs include "INTEGER PRIMARY KEY AUTOINCREMENT NOT NULL", unique indices, NVARCHAR columns (often with COLLATE NOCASE), and blob fields for storing certain kinds of content. Files begin with the SQLite file signature "SQLite format 3" at offset zero.

How to open BDBX files

Important: Different programs may use files with the BDBX file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your BDBX file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

We have not yet verified any programs for Windows that work with this specific file format. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below. Thanks!

Last updated: August 23, 2026

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