Comments: Anything enclosed with { and } are comments. They are ignored by the parser. eg
{ This is ignored. }

Spaces are ignored.

Case is ignored.

The underscore '_' is converted to a space.

Anything between quotes '"' is parsed as is eg "MAP01: Containment area"

The main structure to define an object is
[name]
param1=data1;
param2=data2;
...

The name of the object is the name used to refer to it.  Some ddf files' names are ignored.  Param1 and data1 etc are dependent on what type of object you are trying to define.  Put a semicolon after each define.
param=data1,data2,data3;
is the same as
param=data1;
param=data2;
param=data3;

Datatypes:
Boolean: can be 'true' or 'false'.
Integer: any whole number.
Fixed: any number between -32768 and 32767.  Precision is 0.000015.
Time: 
Music: a six letter string. 'D_' will be added to the front. ie 'INTER' to 'D_INTER'
SFX: a six letter string. 'DS' will be added to the front. ie 'PISTOL' to 'DSPISTOL'
String: a string of characters eg "MAP01: Containment area"
LumpName: an eight letter string, refering to something stored in the wad datafile.
Special: a special format only used by that ddf file.
Flags: a whole series of properties you can add.
States:
Language Ref:
 
 

Animations DDF.

Stored in anims.ddf.  Lump is DDFANIM.  Name is ignored.
 

Command	Type	Explanation
FIRST	LumpName	The first texture in the animation.
LAST	LumpName	The last texture in the animation.
TICS	Time	The time to display each frame
ISTEXTURE	Integer	If it is 0, this animation is a floor texture.  Otherwise it is a wall texture.

 

Attacks DDF.

Stored in attacks.ddf.  Lump is DDFATK.  Name gives a name to the attack, and must be unique.
 

Command	Type	Explanation
ATTACKTYPE	Special	The type of attack this is, eg close combat, projectile etc
ATTACK_SPECIAL	Flags	Flags for this attack.
ACCURACY	Fixed	How accurate this attack is. 1 is 100%, 0 is 0%.
ATTACK_HEIGHT	Fixed	How high above the attacking creature the attack is.  If it is 0, the attack will com from the creature's foot, so it is generally a good idea to make it bigger.  Almost all DOOM creatures have this as 32.
HEIGHT	Fixed	The height of the projectile launched.
RADIUS	Fixed	The radius of the spawned object.
SPEED	Fixed	How fast the spawned object moves.
FAST	Fixed	Will be multiplied to speed in nightmare and -fastparm
SHOTCOUNT	Integer	Number of shots fired for shot weapons.
X_OFFSET	Integer	Normally attacks are spawned from the centre of the attacking creature. X_OFFSET moves it right, and Y_OFFSET moves it towards relative to the target.
Y_OFFSET	Integer	See X_OFFSET
DAMAGE	Integer	How much damage this attack delivers.
DAMAGE_MULTI	Integer	If you don't want this attack to do the same amount of damage every time, use DAMAGE_MULTI and DAMAGE_RANGE.  The damage will be calculated by a Random number from 1 - DAMAGE_RANGE multiplied by DAMAGE_MULTI.  Minimum damage is DAMAGE_MULTI, maximum is DAMAGE_RANGE times DAMAGE_MULTI.
DAMAGE_RANGE	Integer	See DAMAGE_MULTI.
EXPLOD_DAMAGE	Integer	See damage, however EXPLOD_DAMAGE is delivered to all creatures within the explosion.
EXPLOD_DAMAGEMULTI	Integer	See DAMAGE_MULTI, however all creatures within the explosion willl be damaged.
EXPLOD_DAMAGERANGE	Integer	See DAMAGE_RANGE, however all creatures within the explosion willl be damaged.
ATTACKRANGE	Fixed	The target must be inside this range, or the attacking creature won't bother shooting, but attempt to get closer.
TOO_CLOSE_RANGE	Integer	The attacking creature won't use this attack, if the target is inside this range.  Used for if this is a ranged attack and the creature should close for a close combat attack.
NO_TRACE_CHANCE	Integer	Specifies the chance that this homing missile will not lock onto target.  0 is lock every time, 100 is fail every time.
KEEP_FIRING_CHANCE	Integer	Specifies the chance that a creature using this attack will keep firing as opposed to finding a better spot/moving etc.
ASSAULT_SPEED	Integer	Used for SKULLFLY attacks this is the speed at which the skull will fly.
PROJECTILE_SPECIAL	Flags	Flags that should be added to the missile.
TRANSLUCENCY	Fixed	How translucent the missile is. 0 is invisible, 1 is completely visible.
LAUNCH_SOUND	SFX
ATTEMPT_SOUND	SFX
ENGAGED_SOUND	SFX
ACTIVE_SOUND	SFX
DEATH_SOUND	SFX
STATES	States
DEATHSTATES	States

 

ATTACKTYPE	DESCRIPTION
PROJECTILE	Launch a single missile at the target, eg Rockets, Imp Fireballs.
SPAWNER	Launch a creature at the target, eg Pain Elementals
TRIPLE_SPAWNER	Launch three creatures, eg Pain Elemental death.
FIXED_SPREADER	Launches missiles in an ordered way like the Mancubus
RANDOM_SPREADER	Launches a spread of missiles randomly
SHOT	Fires a bullet weapon, eg pistol, shotgun, chaingun.
TRACKER	Like the arch-vile attack.
CLOSECOMBAT	Any close combat attack, like the demon's bite, the baron's scratch, or the chainsaw.
SKULLFLY	For an object that launches itself at the target.
SMARTPROJECTILE	Launch a missile at the target on an intercept course based on the target's current speed and direction.
SPRAY	Instantly do damage to every monster in sight.  Like the BFG.

 

ATTACK_SPECIAL	DESCRIPTION
SMOKING_TRACER	Homing missile with a line of smoke behind it.
REMOVE_FAILED_SPAWN	For SPAWNER attacktypes, if the spawned object doesn't fit it will be removed.
PRESTEP_SPAWN	Move a SPAWNER object slightly forward so it is not spawned on top of it's master.
NEED_SIGHT	The attack will only take place if the attacker can see it's target.
FACE_TARGET	The attacker will be turned to face it's target.

 

Language DDF

Stored in default.ldf.  Lump is DDFLANG. Name is the language.

The language ddf file is different in that there are no set commands.  Each line defines a string.
eg.
MAP01Desc="Level 1: entryway";
Defines the string "Level 1: entryway" as MAP01Desc.  Then MAP01Desc can be used.
If no string exists for the wanted language, it will be found under [Default]
 
 

Mission DDF

Stored in mission.ddf.  Lump is DDFGAME. Name is the episode name.

This defines the intermission screens and title screens.
 
 

Command	Type	Description
BACKGROUND	LumpName	This is the background picture for intermissions.
SPLAT	LumpName	This is the picture placed over levels that are finished.
YAH1	LumpName	This is the picture placed over the level you are at. (You are Here)
YAH2	LumpName	If YAH1 doesn't fit on the page, this pic will be used instead.
PERCENT_SOUND	SFX	Sound made while counting kills, items and secrets etc.
DONE_SOUND	SFX	Sound made when the counting stops.
NEXTMAP_SOUND	SFX	Sound made before loading the next map.
MUSIC	Music	The music to play during this intermission.
ANIM	Special	An animation to play.
MAP	Special	Specifies where to place SPLATs for levels completed.
FIRSTMAP	LumpName	Specifies the first level in this mission.
GRAPHIC_NAME	LumpName	Specifies a picture of the mission's name to go into the start new game menu.
TITLE_MUSIC	Music	Some music to play when the TITLE_PIC is displayed.  Note that the mission is assumed not to exist if this music does not exist.
TITLE_PIC	LumpName	Specifies a picture to add to the sequence when the game starts.
TITLE_TIME	Time	Specifies how long to leave that picture displayed before changing it.

ANIM Command:

A frame in the animation is specified by:

picture:tics:x:y

Use #END to end the animation and loop back to the start.

ANIM=WIA00000:3:224:104,WIA00001:3:224:104,WIA00002:3:224:104,#END;

MAP Command:

Specifies the position to draw splats on maps:

mapname:x:y

Stored in levels.ddf.  Lump is DDFLEVL. Name is the level name eg MAP01.
 
 

Command	Type	Description
LUMPNAME	LumpName	The lump to load the level from.
DESCRIPTION	LanguageRef	A description of the level for the automap
GRAPHIC_NAME	LumpName	A picture of the level's name for the intermissions.
SKY_TEXTURE	LumpName	The texture for the sky for this level.
MUSIC_NAME	Music	The level's background music.
SURROUND_FLAT	LumpName	The floor texture to be drawn as a border for the level.
SPECIAL	Flags	See below
NEXT_MAP	String	The level to go to when this level is finished.
SECRET_MAP	String	The level to go to if the secret exit is found.
AUTOTAG	Integer	When the level is started, find a linedef with this tag and push it.  See MAP07
PARTIME	Time	The par time for this level
EPISODE	String	The intermission for this level.
ENDTEXT	LanguageRef	Some text to display when the levels is finished.
ENDTEXTBACKGROUND	LumpName	A picture to display behind the text.
ENDTEXTFLAT	LumpName	A floor texture to be drawn behind the text.  Don't use ENDTEXTBACKGROUND and ENDTEXTFLAT at the same time.
ENDTEXTSPEED	Numeric	How fast the text should be written to the screen.
ENDTEXTWAIT	Numeric	How long to wait after writing all the text.
ENDPIC	LumpName	Picture to draw after all text has been written.
ENDPICWAIT	Time	Time to wait on each picture.
ENDCAST	Boolean	Show the cast list.
ENDBUNNY	Boolean	Show the bunny.
ENDMUSIC	Music	Music to play while writing text/drawing pics.
PRE*		For every END function there is a corresponding PRE function.  The only difference is that PRE will be done before a level, but END is done after a level.

SPECIAL Flags:

Name	Description
NO_JUMPING	Disable jumping for this level.
NO_FREELOOK	Disable look up/look down for this level.
NO_TRANSLUCENCY	Disable translucency for this level.
NO_CHEATS	Disable cheating for this level.
ITEM_RESPAWN	Turns item respawning on for this level.
NO_ITEM_RESPAWN	Disables item respawning for this level.
FAST_MONSTERS	Enable fast monsters for this level.
RESURRECT_RESPAWN	Sets monsters to respawn by resurrecting themselves.
TELEPORT_RESPAWN	Sets monsters to respawn by teleporting back to their start location.
RESPAWN	Turns respawning on
NO_RESPAWN	Turns respawning off
STRETCH_SKY	Stretches the sky for freelook.
NORMAL_SKY	Turns off stretching the sky for freelook.
DISABLE_TRUE3D	Disables True3dGamplay for this level.
NO_ENEMY_STOMP	Makes monsters unable to telefrag.
NORMAL_BLOOD	Turns extra blood off for this level.

 

Linedefs/Sectors DDF

Much of the linedef/sector ddf code is the same so they will both be described here.

Stored in lines.ddf and sectors.ddf.  Lumps are DDFLINE and DDFSECT.  Names are ignored.
 
 

*	Command	Type	Description
L	TRIGGER	Numeric	The number to use as the special linedef type in your map editor.
S	NUMBER	Numeric	The number to use as the special sector type in your map editor.
L	NEWTRIGGER	Numeric	When the line is activated, the special type is changed to this number.  This is so you can do things like a switch you push once to turn on, push again to turn off.
L	TYPE	Special	Specifies how the line is activated.  Can be "WALK", "PUSH" or "SHOOT"
L	ACTIVATORS	Special	Specifies who can activate the line.  Can be "PLAYER", "MONSTER", or "MISSILE"
L	KEYS	Special	Specifies what key cards are needed to activated. Can be "BLUE_CARD", "RED_CARD", "YELLOW_CARD", "BLUE_SKULL", "RED_SKULL", "YELLOW_SKULL", "REQUIRES_ALL"  If you specify BLUE_CARD and RED_CARD a player with either can activate.  Use '+' to specify that a player MUST have that card to activate, eg "+YELLOW_CARD,+RED_CARD" for both the red card and yellow card required.
L	FAILED_MESSAGE	LanguageRef	If the player doesn't have the right keys and trys to activate the line, this message is displayed.
L	COUNT	Numeric	The number of times this line can be activated.
L	SECSPECIAL	Numeric	The special type to change the tagged sector to.
	CRUSH	Boolean	If TRUE then sector movement will crush and kill creatures.  If FALSE then sector will return instead of crushing.
	FLOOR_TYPE	Special	Specifies how the floor moves.
	FLOOR_SPEED_UP	Fixed	Specifies how fast the floor moves up.
	FLOOR_SPEED_DOWN	Fixed	Specifies how fast the floor moves down.
	FLOOR_DEST_REF	Special	Specifies where the floor moves to. eg CEILING, NEXTNEIGHBOUR etc..
	FLOOR_DEST_OFFSET	Fixed	Specifies an offset to where the floor moves to, eg NEXTNEIGHBOUR + 4.
	FLOOR_TEXTURE	String	Specifies what texture to change to.  In addition, if FLOOR_TEXTURE is '-' the floor texture will change to a surrounding sector's floor texture.  If it is '+' the floor texture will change to the sector on the front side of the activating line's floor etxture.
	FLOOR_PAUSE_TIME	Time	The time to wait at the floor's destination befor returning.
	FLOOR_WAIT_TIME	Time	The time to wait before moving at all.
	FLOOR_SFX_START	SFX	The sound to make when the floor starts moving.
	FLOOR_SFX_UP	SFX	The sound to make while the floor is moving up.  Should be a looping sound.
	FLOOR_SFX_DOWN	SFX	The sound to make while the floor is moving down.  Should be a looping sound.
	FLOOR_SFX_STOP	SFX	The sound to make when the floor stops moving.
	CEILING_*		For every floor function there is a ceiling function that does exactly the same, but to the ceiling instead of the floor.
	DONUT	Boolean	Command to keep compatibility with DOOM.  Centre moves down, outside loop moves up and changes texture.
	DONUT_IN_SFX	SFX	The sound to make while the central pillar is moving.
	DONUT_IN_SFX_STOP	SFX	The sound to make when the central pillar stops moving.
	DONUT_OUT_SFX	SFX	The sound to make while the outside loop is moving.
	DONUT_OUT_SFX_STOP	SFX	The sound to make when the outside loop stops.
	TELEPORT	Boolean	Teleport the activating thing to the tagged sector.
	TELEPORT_DELAY	Time	The time before an object can start moving again after a teleport.
	TELEIN_EFFECTOBJ	String	The object to make where the object teleported from.
	TELEOUT_EFFECTOBJ	String	The object to make where the object lands.
	LIGHT_TYPE	Special	Specifies what type of light it is.  (Glowing, flashing, flickering)
	LIGHT_LEVEL	Integer	Specifies the light level to change to
	LIGHT_DARK_TIME	Time	Specifies how long the light is dark/gets dark for.
	LIGHT_BRIGHT_TIME	Time	Specifies how long the light is bright/gets bright for.
	LIGHT_PROBABILITY	Integer	Specifies the probability of flickering for flickering LIGHT_TYPEs.
	LIGHT_SYNC	Time	Used for getting lights to flash in sync.
	EXIT	Special	Activating this line exits the level.  Can be "EXIT" for a normal exit or "SECRET" to exit to the secret level.
L	SCROLL	Special	The wall texture should scroll in this direction. "UP"/"DOWN"/"LEFT"/"RIGHT"
L	SCROLLING_SPEED	Fixed	How fast the wall scrolls.
	COLOURMAPLUMP	LumpName	Specifies the colourmap to use.
	COLOURMAP	Numeric	Specifies which colourmap to use.
	GRAVITY	Numeric	Specifies the gravity in a sector.
	FRICTION	Fixed	Specifies the sector's friction.
S	VISCOSITY	Fixed	Specifies the sector's viscosity
	SOUND	SFX	Plays an ambient sound in a sector.
	MUSIC	Music	Changes the music.
L	AUTO	Boolean	Triggers this line automatically at level start.
L	SINGLESIDED	Boolean	Single sided lines can only be activated from the front.
L	LUMPEXISTS	String	This line can only be activated if the specified lump exists.  Use "!" to specify that the line can only be activated if the specified lump does not exist. eg "!MAP01"
S	SECRET	Boolean	This sector is counted as part of the secret percentage.
S	DAMAGE	Integer	How much this sector damages the player.
S	DAMAGETIME	Time	Specifies that DAMAGE is dealt every DAMAGETIME tics.

* L means linedefs only.  S means sectors only.