Convert SDW to SXW

Understanding SDW and SXW file formats

SDW files are document files created by StarOffice Writer, a word processing application that was part of the StarOffice suite developed by StarDivision, later acquired by Sun Microsystems. SDW was the native format for StarOffice Writer versions prior to the adoption of the OpenDocument standard.

SXW files are OpenOffice.org XML-based word processing documents. Introduced with OpenOffice.org, SXW files use an open XML format and are compatible with a wider range of modern office suites, including LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice.

Why convert SDW to SXW?

Converting SDW to SXW allows for better compatibility with modern office software, improved document longevity, and easier sharing or editing. SXW files are more widely supported and can be easily converted to other formats like ODT or DOCX.

Best software for SDW to SXW conversion

The most reliable way to convert SDW to SXW is by using LibreOffice or Apache OpenOffice. Both suites support legacy StarOffice formats and can export documents to SXW.

How to convert SDW to SXW using LibreOffice

1. Open LibreOffice Writer.
2. Go to File → Open and select your .sdw file.
3. Once the document is open, go to File → Save As.
4. In the Save as type dropdown, select OpenOffice.org 1.0 Text Document (.sxw).
5. Click Save to complete the conversion.

Alternative: Using Apache OpenOffice

1. Launch Apache OpenOffice Writer.
2. Open your .sdw file via File → Open.
3. Go to File → Save As and choose OpenOffice.org 1.0 Text Document (.sxw) as the format.
4. Save the file to complete the conversion.

Tips for successful conversion

• Always check the converted document for formatting issues.
• If you have many files, consider batch conversion using LibreOffice's command-line tools.
• Keep backups of your original SDW files.

Summary

Converting SDW to SXW ensures better compatibility and future-proofs your documents. LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice are the best tools for this conversion, offering straightforward steps and reliable results.