Convert SDR to VSDX

Understanding the sdr and vsdx file formats

SDR files are diagram files created by StarOffice Draw or OpenOffice Draw, part of the now-discontinued StarOffice suite. These files store vector graphics, diagrams, and drawings, similar to what you might create in Microsoft Visio.

VSDX is the modern file format for Microsoft Visio diagrams, introduced with Visio 2013. It is based on the Open Packaging Conventions standard and stores diagrams, shapes, and metadata in a ZIP-compressed XML format.

Why convert sdr to vsdx?

Converting SDR to VSDX allows users to migrate diagrams from legacy StarOffice/OpenOffice Draw environments to the widely used Microsoft Visio platform, enabling better collaboration and editing capabilities.

How to convert sdr to vsdx

There is no direct one-step converter for SDR to VSDX. However, you can use a two-step process:

1. Open the SDR file in LibreOffice Draw (LibreOffice is the successor to OpenOffice and supports SDR files).
2. Export the drawing to a format supported by Visio, such as SVG or PDF:
• Go to File → Export and choose SVG or PDF.
3. Open Microsoft Visio and import the exported SVG or PDF:
• In Visio, use File → Open or Insert → Pictures → This Device to import the SVG or PDF.
• Once imported, save the file as VSDX using File → Save As and select VSDX as the format.

Recommended software for conversion

• LibreOffice Draw – Free and open-source, supports SDR files and can export to SVG or PDF.
• Microsoft Visio – For importing SVG/PDF and saving as VSDX.

Tips for a successful conversion

• Some complex elements or formatting may not transfer perfectly; review your diagram after import.
• For best results, use SVG as the intermediate format, as it preserves vector data better than PDF.