Image
What is a .sdw file?
A .sdw file is a StarOffice Writer (version 3.x). This is an image format — a picture, drawing or graphic. Confusingly, this extension has been used by 7 different formats over the years — they're all listed below.
This extension has been used by more than one format
7 different formats have claimed .sdw over the years, so two files with the same extension aren't necessarily the same kind of thing.
How to open a .sdw file
- GIMP (free) and IrfanView open a very wide range of image formats, including obsolete ones.
- XnView MP is the best bet for unusual or legacy image types.
- Your operating system's built-in viewer may work for mainstream formats.
The registry records this extension against StarOffice Writer, StarOffice Writer, ESRI World File Format and others, so software from that family is the most likely match.
How to convert a .sdw file
- Open it in GIMP or XnView and export as .png (lossless) or .jpg (smaller).
MIME type
When a .sdw file travels over the web, servers label it with this MIME type:
application/vnd.stardivision.writerThe technical record
For archivists, developers and the merely curious: these are the PRONOM registry entries for .sdw.
| Format name | Version | MIME type | PUID |
|---|---|---|---|
| StarOffice Writer | 3.x | — | fmt/812 |
| StarOffice Writer | 5.x | application/vnd.stardivision.writer | x-fmt/400 |
| ESRI World File Format | — | — | fmt/367 |
| StarOffice Writer | 4.x | — | fmt/813 |
| Folio Shadow File | 4 | — | fmt/1161 |
| AMI Draw Vector Image | — | — | x-fmt/290 |
| Folio Shadow File | 3 | — | fmt/1160 |