Specifications
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SBML Level 3 is the most recent specification of SBML. It is a modular language, with a core comprising a complete format that can be used alone. Additional Level 3 packages are layered on this core to provide additional, optional features.
SBML Levels are intended to coexist. For example, SBML Level 3 does not render Level 2 obsolete, and Level 2-compatible models and software tools still continue to be used. (For more information about the notion of "SBML Levels", please see the description in the FAQ.)
Please notify the SBML Editors of problems and other issues in the documents, or any topics, using the issue trackers indicated below for each specification.
SBML Level 3
At this time, only Version 1 Core of SBML Level 3 has been released. Definitions of packages to go with Version 1 Core are expected in the very near future. When the specifications become available, they will be listed below. For now, you can find information about the ongoing activities in the community wiki.
SBML Level 3 Version 1 Core
The most recent release is Release 1 Candidate. The release is labeled a candidate until two independent software implementations are reported by the SBML-using community. At that time, if no significant errors or issues are reported, the specification will be considered final. The use of the term "candidate" should not discourage implementation of support for this specification. This definition of SBML Level 3 Version 1 Core Release 1 will not be modified unless errors are found.
| The Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML): Language Specification for Level 3 Version 1 Core Authors: Michael Hucka, Frank Bergmann, Stefan Hoops, Sarah M. Keating, Sven Sahle, and Darren J. Wilkinson |
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SBML Level 2
Within a given SBML Level, minor revisions to SBML are termed Versions and constitute changes within a Level to correct, adjust and refine language features. Additionally, to cope with occasional minor editorial changes that may be needed, SBML specification come with Release numbers within Versions.
Developers and modelers are strongly encouraged to support the latest Version in any new software development and modeling efforts, as well as to update actively-supported software tools they may be involved in developing or maintaining.
SBML Level 2 Version 4
The most recent release of SBML Level 2 Version 4 is Release 1.
| Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML) Level 2: Structures and Facilities for Model Definitions Authors: Michael Hucka, Stefan Hoops, Sarah M. Keating, Nicolas Le Novère, Sven Sahle, and Darren J. Wilkinson |
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Issues with the specification are tracked on the issue tracker whose link is indicated above. Accepted issues are periodically collected and listed on the Errata page indicated above. Once a general consensus emerges that the known errata warrant a new release of the SBML specification, a new Release is made.
Past Releases and Versions of SBML Level 2
Past Releases of SBML Level 2 Version 4 and past Versions of SBML Level 2 (i.e., Versions 1–3) are available from a separate page.
SBML Level 1
Level 1 is simpler (but less powerful) than Level 2. The separate levels are intended to coexist; SBML Level 2 does not render Level 1 obsolete. Software tools that cannot support higher levels can go on using lower levels; tools that can read higher levels are assured of also being able to interpret models defined in the lower levels.
Developers and modelers are strongly encouraged to support the latest Version in any new software development and modeling efforts, as well as to update actively-supported software tools they may be involved in developing or maintaining.
SBML Level 1 Version 2
The current definition of SBML Level 1 is Version 2.
Past Versions of SBML Level 1
Past Releases of SBML Level 1 are available from a separate page.


