Product Tutorials

Please note that the tutorials are being updated to reflect PDF-5+.

The getting started tutorials are a series of fundamental tutorials about materials analysis and the use of the Powder Diffraction File™. The Powder Diffraction File is a materials analysis system that can be used as a “stand-alone” analysis system or as interfaced with dozens of software analysis systems. Use of the Powder Diffraction File is driven by software embedded in all PDF® databases, which enables users to perform basic analyses and data mining. To access this software, you simply need to open your PDF database.

2025 New Features Tutorial

Registration Tutorials

Importing Data into the PDF

Use chemical and structural classifications

Evaluate reference quality

Set up User Preferences

Perform pattern simulations

Data Mining

Sort, Order and Graph Data

Use 2D patterns

Using 3D Structure Graphics with PDF Databases

Video Tutorials

Database Driven Materials Characterization and Discovery Using Powder Diffraction File Databases

“It’s not just a powder database;
it’s a materials characterization database.”

ICDD’s Executive Director, Tom Blanton describes the history of the Powder Diffraction File and explains several PDF entries’ properties. Learn about other opportunities from ICDD.

This presentation was given virtually in 2020 at The Conference and School for Young Scientists High-temperature X-ray Diffraction and X-ray Diffraction of Nanomaterials (HTXRD-4).

View Industry/Application Tutorials

Go to the ICDD YouTube Channel