Open-The-File.com

Find how to open any file type

.SDD file extension

To open .SDD files on Windows, install Apache OpenOffice and launch OpenOffice Impress.

To open a .SDD file, use a presentation app that supports the legacy StarImpress/StarOffice format—most commonly Apache OpenOffice Impress. Don’t rename the extension; instead open it from within the app or via your system’s “Open with” menu.

HomeExtension IndexArchives in indexArchives category page

Last updated: June 10, 2026 · Reviewed by Julian Stricker

What “reviewed” means on this page
  • Format fit: whether the “what is this file?” description matches common real-world use of the extension, including category, typical MIME types, and aliases.
  • Opening paths: whether Windows / macOS / Linux steps read plausibly for current OS dialogs and default apps; we remove fantasy menus and unsafe shortcuts.
  • Security framing: whether risk notes match the extension class (for example executables vs plain data) and whether affiliate wording does not contradict the security section.
  • Sources and further reading: whether external links point to vendors, standards bodies, or other primary references where possible; we avoid inventing details we cannot ground.
  • Limits: this is clarity and safety-messaging QA, not a guarantee that every statement is exhaustive or that every binary you download is harmless.

Full methodology in the Imprint — The Imprint also states where AI is used and what that does—and does not—replace.

Open on your device

Choose your operating system for a dedicated step-by-step opening guide.

How to open .SDD files

Use these platform-specific instructions to open .SDD files safely.

Windows

  1. Install Apache OpenOffice and launch OpenOffice Impress.
  2. In Impress, go to File → Open and select the .SDD file (or right-click the file → Open with → OpenOffice Impress).
  3. If it opens, consider saving a copy to a newer format for easier sharing.
Full Windows guide

Mac

  1. Install Apache OpenOffice and open OpenOffice Impress.
  2. Use File → Open to select the .SDD file (or Control-click → Open With → OpenOffice Impress).
  3. If you need broader compatibility, re-save/export the presentation to a modern format after opening.
Full Mac guide

Linux

  1. Open Apache OpenOffice Impress.
  2. Use File → Open and choose the .SDD file; your desktop may also offer it via “Open With” based on the application/vnd.stardivision.impress association.
  3. After opening, save a copy in a newer format if you plan to share it widely.
Full Linux guide

iOS

  1. There is no common native iOS support for legacy .SDD StarImpress files; transfer the file to a desktop and open it in Apache OpenOffice Impress.
Full iOS guide

Android

  1. There is no common native Android support for legacy .SDD StarImpress files; transfer the file to a desktop and open it in Apache OpenOffice Impress.
Full Android guide

Security notes

  • Treat .SDD as an untrusted document format when received from unknown sources: it is a complex legacy file type that must be parsed by office software, and malformed files can trigger crashes or vulnerabilities in document parsers.
  • Open .SDD files using a reputable office suite (such as Apache OpenOffice) and keep it updated; avoid using random online “converters” for sensitive files.
  • If you plan to share the content, consider exporting to a safer, fixed-layout format (e.g., PDF) after opening, especially when sending to users who don’t need to edit.

What can hide inside an archive

Compressed packages can contain executables or scripts you only see after extraction. Double extensions and nested archives are common tricks. Scan unexpected downloads before unpacking, and extract to an empty folder so you can review contents safely.

Avast

Avast offers free and premium antivirus software that protects against viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing. Scan files before opening them to ensure safety.

Norton

Norton 360 delivers comprehensive antivirus protection, VPN, and identity theft monitoring. Scan files for threats before opening to keep your device secure.

We may earn a commission when you use affiliate links. This supports our free file extension guides.

Can't open this file?

These are the most common causes and fixes when .SDD files fail to open.

Common reasons

  • The .SDD file won’t open or is misidentified as something else
  • Formatting looks wrong after opening
  • The file opens but you can’t edit content as expected

Fix steps

  1. Open it from within Apache OpenOffice Impress using File → Open instead of double-clicking.
  2. If your OS prompts for an app, choose OpenOffice Impress explicitly.
  3. If needed, verify the file extension is .sdd and not a similarly named extension.

OS-specific troubleshooting

What is a .SDD file?

.SDD is typically associated with StarOffice/StarImpress presentation documents (legacy formats) and is mapped in OpenOffice documentation and desktop MIME databases to application/vnd.stardivision.impress. In practice, it behaves like an older presentation file type used before the modern OpenDocument formats became common. Because it’s a legacy format, compatibility can vary and some modern mobile apps may not open it reliably.

Background

The .SDD extension is most widely recognized as a StarOffice/StarImpress presentation format. Apache OpenOffice documentation and wiki pages list .sdd among StarImpress-related formats that Impress can open/save, and OpenOffice framework documentation shows example server mappings for .sdd to application/vnd.stardivision.impress.

On Linux desktops, the shared-mime-info database includes application/vnd.stardivision.impress, which is commonly associated with these legacy StarDivision/StarOffice-era formats. This helps desktop environments identify .sdd files and suggest appropriate applications.

Because .SDD is an older, application-specific format, the most dependable workflow is to open it in Apache OpenOffice Impress (or compatible office suites) and then re-save/export to a modern format if needed (for example, OpenDocument Presentation).

Common MIME types: application/vnd.stardivision.impress

Further reading

Authoritative resources for more details on the .SDD format.

Common .SDD issues

The .SDD file won’t open or is misidentified as something else

Some systems or apps may not recognize .SDD correctly, or they may try to open it with the wrong program because it’s a legacy format.

  1. Open it from within Apache OpenOffice Impress using File → Open instead of double-clicking.
  2. If your OS prompts for an app, choose OpenOffice Impress explicitly.
  3. If needed, verify the file extension is .sdd and not a similarly named extension.

Formatting looks wrong after opening

Legacy presentation formats can render differently across office suites due to font and layout differences.

  1. Install the fonts used by the original presentation (if you know them) and reopen the file.
  2. After opening in Impress, save a copy to a newer format and review slides for layout changes.
  3. If the file came from another system, ask the sender for a PDF export for reference.

The file opens but you can’t edit content as expected

If the file is partially corrupted or created by an older workflow, some objects may not convert cleanly to modern editing features.

  1. Try opening and then saving a copy in a newer format from within Impress, then reopen the new file.
  2. If possible, request the same presentation in a modern format from the sender.

FAQ

Is .SDD an “archive file” format?

In common use, .SDD most often refers to a StarOffice/StarImpress presentation file (legacy), not a general-purpose archive. If you expected an archive, confirm the file’s origin and try opening it in Apache OpenOffice Impress first.

What program opens .SDD files?

Apache OpenOffice Impress is a commonly documented option for opening and saving .sdd (StarImpress/StarOffice) presentations.

What is the MIME type for .SDD?

OpenOffice documentation and the freedesktop.org shared MIME database map .sdd to application/vnd.stardivision.impress. This mapping may not be listed as an IANA-registered media type.

Can I convert .SDD by renaming it to .PPT or .ODP?

No. Renaming only changes the file extension. Open the .SDD in a compatible program (such as OpenOffice Impress) and then use Save As/Export to create another format.

Similar file extensions

Compare related formats in the same category to find the right tool faster.