PDF-2 2023
Phase Identification + Value

PDF-2 2023 is the most cost-effective license! PDF-2 features a FREE stand-alone option using ICDD’s integrated data-mining software, along with ICDD’s search-indexing software, SIeve. Designed for inorganic materials analyses, PDF-2 also includes common organic materials from ICDD to facilitate rapid materials identification.
You can trust your diffraction data to ICDD. All ICDD databases are reviewed, edited, and standardized prior to publication. You can be confident with PDF-2 to get you the right answer.
- PDF-2 2023 features 339,500+ entries for rapid and accurate phase identification.
- The PDF-2 database is licensed for five (5) years and offers the highest value in the global marketplace. This value is due to its low annual cost amortized over the lifetime of the license, combined with its large content of powder and single crystal powder data, and its high level of quality with embedded software for data mining and search-indexing.
- Quality and subfile filters combined with 71 different searches and 57 display fields enable you to target your results for more accurate identification. The database is not just a collection of numbers; it is a sophisticated data analysis tool.
Need to convert your PDF-2 2023 to PDF-4+ 2023? Click Here.
Using PDF-2 2023
Key Points
-
Designed to get you the right answer
-
Features 339,500+ entries
-
235,600+ entries have I/Ic values for quantitative analysis by Reference Intensity Ratio
-
Integrated data mining software
-
SIeve search-indexing software included as an added value
-
Combines powder and single-crystal data
-
Rapid data mining with our 57 display fields coupled with 71 searches
-
Five (5) year license
Identify
-
Number of entries – 339,500+
-
New entries – 11,925
Quantify
-
Reference Intensity Ratio (I/Ic) – 235,600+
Data-mining
-
71 types of Search Selections
-
57 types of Display Fields
Database Sources
Our collaborative partners include:
-
ICDD Powders (00) – International Centre for Diffraction Data Newtown Square, PA, USA
-
ICSD (01) – Fachinformationszentrum Karlsruhe (FIZ) Karlsruhe, Germany – Inorganic Crystal Structure Database
-
NIST (03) – National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
-
MPDS (04) – Material Phases Data System, Vitznau, Switzerland – Linus Pauling File (LPF)
-
ICDD Single Crystal Data (05) – International Centre for Diffraction Data Newtown Square, PA, USA
Subfiles
-
Metal & Alloys – 114,061
-
Mineral & Related Materials – 38,618
-
Ceramics – 17,708
-
Common Phases – 17,027
-
Pigment & Dye – 1,235
-
Pharmaceuticals – 8,515
-
Polymers – 1,394
-
Excipients – 2,963
All subfiles: Alkaloid , Amino Acid, Peptide & Complex, Battery Material, Bioactive, Carbohydrate, Cement & Hydration Product, Ceramic, Common Phase, Education, Explosive, Forensic, Hydrogen Storage Material, Inorganic, Intercalate, Ionic Conductor, Merck, Metal & Alloy, Micro & Mesoporous, Mineral Related, Modulated Structure, NBS, Nucleoside & Nucleotide, Organic, Pharmaceutical, Pigment & Dye, Polymer, Porphyrin, Corrin & Complex, Steroid, Superconducting Material, Terpene, Thermoelectric Material
-
Subfile – select filters related to assigned subfiles/subclass.
-
Environment – select filters related to the environment (especially temperature and pressure).
-
Status – select filters based on the status of the pattern, which can be Primary, Alternate, or Deleted.
-
Quality Mark (QM) – select filters related to the quality evaluation assigned to the data.
-
Database – search the entire database or select the data entry source (i.e., ICDD (00) – ICDD’s experimental patterns).
Use your mouse to hover over the interactive elements in the red section of the search window and click to learn more.
Use your mouse to hover over the interactive elements in the red section of the PDF card and click to learn more.
A Powder Diffraction FileTM (PDF) Card displays all of the scientific and bibliographic data available for a particular PDF entry and is organized into the following categories:
- 2D Structure
- Equipment factors
- Historic stick pattern and simulated pattern
- Tabular view of reported data: PDF, Experimental, Physical, Crystal, Optical, Structure, Classifications, Cross-references, References, Comments
*Note: The availability of each feature varies by PDF entry.
ICDD’s search indexing software, SIeve for PDF-2, is now FREE. It is designed to search and identify unknown materials. SIeve is integrated into the ICDD database to allow the use of the extensive data mining interfaces, searches, and sorts available to improve the accuracy and precision of the identification process. For example, users can utilize the extensive permutable searches in each database, then define their own search subfile or use any of the “application or expert-defined” subfiles and subclasses to increase the accuracy of their phase identification. In many cases, this provides a unique capability to analyze the most difficult problems.
SIeve offers a variety of algorithms and options that allow users to optimize results for particular chemistries and both standard and non-standard diffraction systems. SIeve features automatic rotation of the eight strongest lines (Hanawalt) or the eight longest of the strongest lines (Fink) or the eight longest lines (Long8) to look for entries that exhibit the best Goodness of Match (GOM). In the last few years, new algorithms have been added to identify non-crystalline materials and complex multi-phase specimens. Most of the algorithms were developed and optimized for a particular type of analysis and the options provide the user with a wide breadth of analytical capability. SIeve can be complementary to most commercial software programs. This complementary nature demonstrates the strength of SIeve in the analysis of minor and trace phases where the full filtering capability of the PDF-2 database can be applied.
- Now FREE with PDF-2
- Match filter algorithms – better results, more accuracy
- Import d-I list, 1D diffraction pattern
- Display stick patterns for phases in graph
- Qualitative analysis
- Directly interfaces to all PDF databases for accurate filtering and analysis – full data mining
- Excels at the identification of low concentration phases
- Supports X-ray and synchrotron data
OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE SPOKEN
“We recently used PDF-2 for identifying alteration products formed in ambient vs. accelerated aging of copper acetate, in correlation with other spectroscopy methods. We were able to characterize a unique product that formed only at ambient conditions, and follow the transition from one form to another in both cases.”
– Cindy Ryan
READY TO PURCHASE PDF-2?
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processors (recommended minimum), or better.
- Supported Microsoft® operating systems:
- Windows® 7 SP1
- Windows® 8/8.1
- Windows® 10
- Windows® 11
- 4 GB of system memory
- 5 GB of hard drive space
Note: It is necessary to have Administrator privileges or use the Administrator account and password for your local domain in order to install this product. You can obtain your domain by running the following command line in a Command Prompt window: ipconfig/all. Your local domain will appear next to the “Host” label.
Prior Release Requirements
2022 Release
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor or better
- Supported Microsoft® Operating Systems:
- Windows® 7 SP1
- Windows® 8
- Windows® 8.1
- Windows® 10
- NTFS File System required
- 4 GB of System Memory
- Installation requires 4 GB of hard-disk space
2021 Release
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor or better
- Supported Microsoft® Operating Systems:
- Windows® 7 (32 & 64-bit) SP1
- Windows® 8 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 8.1 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 10
- NTFS file system required
- System memory recommended – 4 GB
- Hard-disk space required – 4 GB
2020 Release
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor or better
- Supported Microsoft® Operating Systems:
- Windows Vista® (32-bit) SP2
- Windows® 7 (32 & 64-bit) SP1
- Windows® 8 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 8.1 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 10
- NTFS file system required
- System memory recommended – 4 GB
- Hard-disk space required – 4 GB
2019 Release
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor or better
- Supported Microsoft® Operating Systems:
- Windows Vista® (32-bit) SP2
- Windows® 7 (32 & 64-bit) SP1
- Windows® 8 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 8.1 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 10
- NTFS file system required
- System memory recommended – 4 GB
- Hard-disk space required – 4 GB
2018 Release
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor or better
- Supported Microsoft® Operating Systems:
- Windows Vista® (32-bit) SP2
- Windows® 7 (32 & 64-bit) SP1
- Windows® 8 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 8.1 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 10
- NTFS file system required
- System memory recommended – 4 GB
- Hard-disk space required – 4 GB
2016 Release
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor or better
- Supported Microsoft® Operating Systems:
- Windows Vista® (32-bit) SP2
- Windows® 7 (32 & 64-bit) SP1
- Windows® 8 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 8.1 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 10
- NTFS file system required
- System memory recommended – 4 GB
- Hard-disk space required – 4 GB
2015 Release
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor or better
- Supported Microsoft® Operating Systems:
- Windows Vista® (32-bit) SP2
- Windows® 7 (32 & 64-bit) SP1
- Windows® 8 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 8.1 (32 & 64-bit)
- NTFS file system required
- System memory recommended – 4 GB
- Hard-disk space required – 4 GB
2014 Release
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor or better
- Supported Microsoft® Operating Systems:
- Windows Vista® (32-bit) SP2
- Windows® 7 (32 & 64-bit) SP1
- Windows® 8 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 8.1 (32 & 64-bit)
- NTFS file system required
- System memory recommended – 4 GB
- Hard-disk space required – 4 GB
2013 Release
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor or equivalent
- Supported Microsoft® Operating Systems:
- Windows Vista® (32-bit) SP2
- Windows® 7 (32- & 64-bit) SP1
- Windows® 8 (32- & 64-bit) SP1
- NTFS file system required
- System memory recommended – 2 GB
- Hard-disk space required – 3.5 GB
The PDF-2 2023 database contains integrated data mining software, and as a value added feature, a complimentary license for SIeve, a search-index plug-in.
Explore the capabilities of PDF-2 2023 with our extensive help documentation, online tutorials, and videos. The Help files include a Table of Contents and fundamental information on how to use the database. The online tutorials are designed to demonstrate the features, applications, hints, and shortcuts for your PDF-2 product.
How to properly install your PDF product:
Media Available for Purchase –
USB, DVD, or Download
Vendor Software –
ICDD partners with licensed software developers, including equipment manufacturers and independent developers to develop commercial data analysis programs that work seamlessly with our databases.
Ordering Information –
Please send us a sales order via fax, email, or mail. ICDD requires the name of the end-user on all orders. Use product codes in your order, if possible. A convenient Order/Quotation Form can be found here.
Pricing –
The prices listed herein supersede all others previously published and are subject to change without notice. ICDD reserves the right to discontinue any product at its discretion. See the Price List or contact our Customer Service Department for the most recent product information and pricing.
Return Policy –
Products may be returned within 30 days from the invoice date for a full refund or credit (excluding shipping/handling). Products must be returned in their original condition to qualify for a refund or credit. Registered products do not qualify. Please complete a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) form to receive approval prior to returning the product. Defective products will be replaced promptly but must be returned for testing.
Warranty Policy –
Customers’ sole remedy for any defective Licensed Product shall be replacement of the Licensed Product, which right must be exercised by written notice given within 30 days of purchase. Defective products will be replaced promptly but must be returned for testing.
Payment Terms –
Wire transfers, credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express), and checks in USD$ and drawn on U.S. banks are acceptable forms of payment. Letters of credit will not be accepted. Payment is due within 30 days from the invoice date. Finance charges of 1.5% per month (annual percentage rate of 18%) may be applied to overdue balances.
Licensing –
ICDD licenses the use of the Powder Diffraction File and software. Licensing for the PDF-2, PDF-4 product line, and associated software (SIeve and SIeve+) are packaged with the DVD, USB, and/or dongle. ICDD’s product licenses are nontransferable and intended for use on a single computer. It is expressly prohibited to access the database over a network or access the database using desktop sharing or screen sharing software*. Please refer to the sales descriptions and product policies for further information on licensing.
*Contact ICDD for PDF-4+/Web licensing.
Site Licensing
Multi-year Licensing
Shipment –
All orders shipped by ICDD are F.O.B. Newtown Square, PA, U.S.A. Import duties and all taxes are not included in pricing and are the sole responsibility of the customer. Shipment will be made by a commercial carrier chosen by ICDD. For your convenience, shipping charges will be added to all invoices. Shipments can be insured upon request; additional charges will apply.
Orders & Delivery –
All orders are handled on a First In, First Out (FIFO) priority queue. Delivery will occur approximately 30 days on items in stock after receipt of the completed order.
Note: Customers in Japan, South Korea, and Russia must order through an ICDD licensed vendor.
The Powder Diffraction FileTM (PDF®) 
Not sure which database you should purchase? Search using chemical name, formula, and elements
to find out which ICDD database product is right for you.
Call (610) 325-9814 or toll free (866) 378-9331 (U.S and Canada only) or email sales@icdd.com
Related Articles – Learn more about PDF-2
More ICDD Products
PDF-4+ 2023 contains 480,300+ entries. It combines the world’s largest sources of inorganic diffraction data from crystals and powders into a single database. The result is a comprehensive collection of inorganic materials, produced in a standardized format that can be rapidly searched for unknown phase identification.
Learn More
PDF-4/Minerals is the most comprehensive collection of mineral data in the world! Ninety-seven percent of all known mineral types, as defined by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA), are represented in the database, as well as many unclassified minerals.
Learn More
The PDF-4/Organics provides the best of both worlds by including single crystal and powder diffraction data together in a single, edited, and standardized database.
Learn More
PDF-4+/Web provides portability to the PDF-4+ database via the internet. It enables access to the entire suite of programs and data files, so that it is equivalent to
PDF-4+ 2023. PDF-4+/Web can be used on any computer that meets the specifications and has access to a high-speed internet connection.