A planet's designation determines what it does within your empire. The main way it does this is through theprimary structure. Planets can only export resources produced by their primary structure; if the primary structure generates units or nothing, the planet cannot export anythitng and can only import . Some designations have primary structures that do not produce anything by default; these structures instead grant a special effect, like increasing the tech level of other planets.

Planets are typically manually designated by the player, by pressing the “Designate” button. Designating a planet temporarily reduces efficiency. Planets can only be given designations that are allowed by their current tech level and deposits.

TL 5 or higher. Requires aetherium deposits. Primary structure is aetherium processor. Planet can export aetherium.

TL 7 or higher. Requires chronimium deposits. Primary structure is chronimium processor. Planet can export chronimium.

TL 7 or higher. Requires chtholon deposits. Primary structure is chtholon extractor. Planet can export aetherium.

Primary structure is consumer goods autofac. Planet can export all 3 classes of consumer goods (organic food, durable goods, luxury goods).

TL 4 or higher. Requires hexacarbide deposits. Primary structure is hexacarbide foundry. Planet can export hexacarbide.

TL 5 or higher. Primary structure is starport. Planet can import and export all resources, allowing it to consolidate and redistribute resources among many planets. Planet also contains the militia base structure which builds infantry. Surplus labor is assigned to the starport, which wastes it; it is better to assign labor to planetary defenses or the militia base.

TL 3 or higher. Primary structure is trillum extractor. Planet can export trillum.