Convert 3DD to SXD

Understanding 3DD and SXD file formats

3DD files are associated with ArcGIS and represent 3D scene documents used for visualizing geographic data in three dimensions. These files store information about layers, symbology, and camera perspectives for 3D mapping projects.

SXD files are StarOffice Draw or Apache OpenOffice Draw documents. They are vector graphic files used for creating diagrams, flowcharts, and illustrations, primarily in office productivity suites.

Can you convert 3DD to SXD?

Direct conversion from 3DD to SXD is not natively supported, as these formats serve very different purposes: 3DD is for 3D GIS scenes, while SXD is for 2D vector drawings. However, you can export visual representations from ArcGIS and import them into OpenOffice Draw as follows:

How to convert 3DD to SXD

1. Open your 3DD file in ArcGIS Pro or ArcScene.
2. Export the 3D scene as a 2D image or PDF using File → Export Map or File → Export Scene.
3. Open Apache OpenOffice Draw.
4. Import the exported image or PDF using Insert → Picture → From File or File → Open for PDFs.
5. Save the document as SXD using File → Save As and selecting the SXD format.

Recommended software for conversion

• ArcGIS Pro or ArcScene for exporting 3DD scenes.
• Apache OpenOffice Draw for importing and saving as SXD.

There are no automated online converters for this workflow due to the specialized nature of 3DD files. Manual export and import is the most reliable method.

Summary

While direct 3DD to SXD conversion is not possible, you can export your 3D scene as an image or PDF from ArcGIS and then import it into OpenOffice Draw to save as an SXD file. This process preserves the visual content for use in vector drawing applications.