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. Designation is instantaneous, but it takes a couple of watches for the new primary structure to reach full production. 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 produces and exports aetherium.

Default designation for independent worlds. Cannot be designated by player. No primary structure; surplus labor is wasted. Planet also contains the militia base structure which builds basic infantry.

TL 7 or higher. Requires chronimium deposits. Primary structure is chronimium processor. Planet produces and exports chronimium.

TL 7 or higher. Requires chtholon deposits. Primary structure is chtholon extractor. Planet produces and exports aetherium.

TL 5 or higher. Primary structure is citadel complex. Planet produces basic infantry and jumpmissiles.

Primary structure is consumer goods autofac. Planet produces and exports 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 produces and exports hexacarbide.

TL 5 or higher. Primary structure is infantry equipment autofac. Planet produces and exports the armored vehicle and exoarmor components.

TL 5 or higher. Primary structure is jumpship components autofac. Planet produces and exports various jumpship components.

TL 6 or higher. Planet must be in a nebula. Primary structure is ramjet components autofac. Planet produces and exports various ramjet components.

TL 6 or higher. Planet can't be in a nebula. Primary structure is starship components autofac. Planet produces and exports various starship components.

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 basic 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 produces and exports trillum.