Aug 19, 2025

What are .mtf, .mdf, .ldb and .log files (Trados TMs/termbases), and can I delete them?

MTF files

MTF stands for MultiTerm Termbase File.
These are temporary/supporting files created when working with SDL MultiTerm.
They are not the termbase itself — the real termbase is stored in the .sdltb file.
MTF files are often generated during export, import, or when a termbase is opened.

MDF files are supporting database files linked to MultiTerm or (in some cases) older Trados translation memories.
They can appear alongside other database components such as IDF, LDF or NDF.
The actual termbase remains the .sdltb file, while translation memories are stored in .sdltm files.

.ldb stands for Lock Database file.
When an Access-based database (such as .sdltb) is opened, Windows creates an .ldb (or .laccdb) file to manage multi-user locking.
It records which processes have the database open.
It should disappear automatically once all applications using the termbase are closed.

.log files are diagnostic/activity logs created by Trados Studio or MultiTerm during operations such as TM maintenance, termbase import/export, or error handling.
They can be useful for troubleshooting and auditing operations.
They do not contain active TM or termbase data.

MTF/MDF: often safe to delete if you retain your primary .sdltm (TMs) and .sdltb (termbases). Trados/MultiTerm can typically regenerate them when needed.
LDB: only delete if you’re sure the associated termbase is closed everywhere. If it remains after a crash/unexpected shutdown, it is usually safe to remove once no process is using the database.
LOG: generally safe to delete when you no longer need them for troubleshooting or record-keeping.

As a precaution, back up any active project folders before removing files — especially in shared or multi-user environments.