How to create a new database

12/26/20252 min read

How to Create a New Chess Database from a PGN File

In this post, I will show you how to create a new chess database in Chesspertise, starting from a PGN file.

Before going through the step-by-step process, it is important to understand what a chess database is and why a PGN file needs to be converted.

From PGN File to Chess Database: The Logical Steps

A PGN file is a text file that contains one or more chess games written in a standardized format.
PGN is excellent for:

  • editing games

  • sharing games

  • manual analysis

However, PGN is not efficient for:

  • storing very large numbers of games

  • fast searches

  • advanced filtering and statistics

For this reason, Chesspertise converts PGN files into its own database format called NCD (Chesspertise Database).

What Is an NCD Database?

Without going into technical details:

  • games are stored in an optimized digital format

  • positions, players, openings, and metadata are indexed

  • searches become extremely fast, even with very large databases

This conversion step is essential for serious study and training.

How to Import a PGN Database in Chesspertise

Follow these steps to create your new database:

  • From the Chesspertise home page, click on the Databases card

  • Click Import PGN

  • Select a PGN file (for example: Rubinstein.pgn)

  • Once the import is complete, a new yellow card will appear

  • Yellow means the database has been hashed but not indexed yet

  • Click the three dots on the right side of the card

  • Select Build Index

That’s it.

Your chess database is now ready to be used for:

  • searching games

  • opening preparation

  • opponent analysis

  • training and study



    Important Note About Database Size

    Be aware of the following limitations:

    • Mac and Desktop versions of Chesspertise

      • Can import very large databases (up to 10 million games)

    • iPad version of Chesspertise

      • Importing very large PGN files is time-consuming

      • Recommended database size: 500,000 to 1.5 million games

    If you plan to work with very large databases, you should use Chesspertise on Mac or Desktop.

    iPad and Android can use very large databases. e.g. 10M+ The limitation is in the import and is mainly due to the physical RAM memory of tablets.

    We are currently working with database providers to allow easier access to large professional databases directly inside Chesspertise.
    More updates on this soon.

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