.MDZ File Extension
Access Database Template
| Developer | Microsoft |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Database Files |
| Format | .MDZ |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an MDZ file?
The .MDZ file extension is associated with Microsoft Access, a database management system from Microsoft. These files are specifically Access Database Templates, which are used to create new database files with a predefined structure, including tables, queries, forms, reports, macros, and modules.
More Information.
The .MDZ file extension was introduced with earlier versions of Microsoft Access to simplify the process of database creation. Instead of starting from scratch, users could use templates (MDZ files) that included predefined objects and structures, ensuring best practices and consistency in database design. This was particularly useful for businesses and organizations that needed to maintain standardized formats for their databases.
Origin Of This File.
The .MDZ file extension originates from Microsoft Access, a part of the Microsoft Office Suite. It was designed to help users quickly create new databases based on pre-existing templates, thus facilitating a consistent design and structure across different databases.
File Structure Technical Specification.
MDZ files are binary files that include:
- Tables: Predefined table structures, including fields and data types.
- Queries: Predefined SQL queries to retrieve and manipulate data.
- Forms: User interface forms for data entry and navigation.
- Reports: Templates for printed reports.
- Macros: Automated tasks and workflows.
- Modules: Custom VBA code for advanced functionalities.
How to Convert the File?
Windows
- Open .MDZ in Microsoft Access:
- Double-click the .MDZ file, or open Microsoft Access and use the “Open” dialog to select the .MDZ file.
- A new database will be created based on the template.
- Save the New Database:
- Go to “File” > “Save As” and save the database in .ACCDB or .MDB format.
- Export to Other Formats:
- To export the database or its objects (tables, queries, etc.), go to “External Data” > “Export.”
- Choose the desired format (e.g., Excel, CSV, XML, PDF).
Linux
Since Microsoft Access is not natively available on Linux, you will need to use a workaround:
- Using Wine:
- Install Wine to run Windows applications on Linux.
- Install Microsoft Access using Wine.
- Follow the Windows steps to convert the .MDZ file.
- Using a Virtual Machine:
- Install a virtual machine (e.g., VirtualBox) and create a Windows environment.
- Install Microsoft Access in the virtual machine.
- Follow the Windows steps to convert the .MDZ file.
- Using LibreOffice Base:
- Open LibreOffice Base.
- Import the .MDZ file, though compatibility may be limited.
- Export the data to formats like CSV or ODF.
Mac
Microsoft Access is not available for macOS natively, so you need to use a virtual environment or alternative methods:
- Using Parallels Desktop:
- Install Parallels Desktop and create a Windows virtual machine.
- Install Microsoft Access within the virtual machine.
- Follow the Windows steps to convert the .MDZ file.
- Using Boot Camp:
- Set up Boot Camp to run Windows on your Mac.
- Boot into Windows and install Microsoft Access.
- Follow the Windows steps to convert the .MDZ file.
- Using LibreOffice Base:
- Open LibreOffice Base on macOS.
- Import the .MDZ file (limited compatibility).
- Export the data to formats like CSV or ODF.
Android
Android does not support running Microsoft Access directly, so you will need to use remote access or cloud solutions:
- Using Remote Desktop:
- Install a remote desktop app (e.g., Microsoft Remote Desktop).
- Connect to a Windows machine with Microsoft Access installed.
- Follow the Windows steps to convert the .MDZ file.
- Using Cloud Services:
- Use cloud-based virtual desktops (e.g., Azure Virtual Desktop).
- Access Microsoft Access on the cloud desktop and follow the Windows steps to convert the .MDZ file.
iOS
Like Android, iOS does not support Microsoft Access natively. Use remote access or cloud solutions:
- Using Remote Desktop:
- Install a remote desktop app (e.g., Microsoft Remote Desktop).
- Connect to a Windows machine with Microsoft Access installed.
- Follow the Windows steps to convert the .MDZ file.
- Using Cloud Services:
- Use cloud-based virtual desktops (e.g., Azure Virtual Desktop).
- Access Microsoft Access on the cloud desktop and follow the Windows steps to convert the .MDZ file.
Other Platforms
For other platforms (e.g., ChromeOS, web-based platforms):
- Using Remote Desktop:
- Use a remote desktop service to connect to a Windows machine with Microsoft Access installed.
- Follow the Windows steps to convert the .MDZ file.
- Using Cloud Services:
- Utilize cloud-based virtual desktops to access Microsoft Access.
- Follow the Windows steps to convert the .MDZ file.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Efficiency: Quickly create new databases with a predefined structure.
- Consistency: Ensures standardized database design across different projects.
- Ease of Use: Simplifies the database creation process for non-expert users.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Flexibility: Templates may not suit every specific need, requiring additional customization.
- Proprietary Format: Compatibility issues with non-Microsoft database systems.
- Version Dependency: MDZ files created with one version of Access may not be fully compatible with other versions.
How to Open MDZ?
Open In Windows
- Ensure Microsoft Access is installed.
- Double-click the .MDZ file, or open Access and use the “Open” dialog to select the file.
Open In Linux
- Linux does not natively support .MDZ files. Use a virtual machine or Wine to run Microsoft Access.
- Alternatively, use LibreOffice Base, though compatibility is not guaranteed.
Open In MAC
- Microsoft Access is not available for macOS natively. Use Parallels Desktop or another virtualization software to run Windows and Access.
- Alternatively, try opening the file with LibreOffice Base.
Open In Android
There is no native support for .MDZ files. Use remote desktop applications (like Microsoft Remote Desktop) to access a Windows machine running Microsoft Access.
Open In IOS
Similar to Android, use a remote desktop application to access Microsoft Access on a Windows machine.
Open in Others
For platforms like ChromeOS or web-based access, consider using a remote desktop service or cloud-based virtual Windows environments to run Microsoft Access.
