Open-The-File.com

Find how to open any file type

.SDS file extension

To open .SDS files on Windows, right-click the .SDS file → Open with → choose LibreOffice (if installed) or Apache OpenOffice (older versions may work better for legacy StarOffice formats).

To open a .SDS file, use a suite that can read StarOffice/OpenOffice chart documents—typically Apache OpenOffice (older versions) or LibreOffice. Avoid renaming the extension; instead, open it from within the office suite or via the system “Open with” option.

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 .SDS files

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

Windows

  1. Right-click the .SDS file → Open with → choose LibreOffice (if installed) or Apache OpenOffice (older versions may work better for legacy StarOffice formats).
  2. If it doesn’t open correctly, launch the office suite first and use File → Open to select the .SDS file.
Full Windows guide

Mac

  1. Control-click the .SDS file → Open With → choose LibreOffice (or Apache OpenOffice, if you have it installed).
  2. If the file fails to load, open it from within the suite (File → Open) and then export/save to a newer format if needed.
Full Mac guide

Linux

  1. Open the file with LibreOffice using your file manager’s Open With option (or run LibreOffice and use File → Open).
  2. If import fails, try a different LibreOffice/OpenOffice version that has better legacy format support.
Full Linux guide

iOS

  1. iOS typically won’t open legacy StarOffice chart files natively; if Files/Quick Look can’t preview it, transfer the .SDS file to a desktop (Windows/macOS/Linux) and open it with LibreOffice or Apache OpenOffice.
Full iOS guide

Android

  1. Android recognizes the MIME type application/vnd.stardivision.chart for .sds in its mappings, but many Android apps still won’t open the file reliably; if it won’t open, move it to a desktop and use LibreOffice/Apache OpenOffice.
Full Android guide

Security notes

  • .SDS is a document/chart format; it’s generally opened by complex document parsers. Only open files from trusted sources because malformed legacy documents can trigger vulnerabilities in document-handling software.
  • If you don’t need to edit the content, consider opening the file in a sandboxed/isolated environment (for example, a separate user account or VM) to reduce risk from untrusted documents.
  • Be cautious with any prompts to enable external links or embedded content when opening legacy office documents, and prefer exporting to a modern format after verifying the content.

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 .SDS files fail to open.

Common reasons

  • The .SDS file won’t open or shows as an unknown format
  • File opens but the chart looks wrong or content is missing
  • The file appears corrupted or won’t load at all

Fix steps

  1. Install LibreOffice, then try opening the file again (or try Apache OpenOffice if available, as legacy formats may behave differently across versions).
  2. Open the suite first and use File → Open instead of double-clicking the file.
  3. If possible, ask the sender to export the chart to a modern format from the original application.

OS-specific troubleshooting

What is a .SDS file?

.SDS is associated with StarOffice/StarDivision StarChart chart documents, with the MIME type application/vnd.stardivision.chart. It is not primarily an “archive” format in the sources provided; it’s treated as a chart/document format used by StarOffice-era office suites and compatible tools.

Background

In current public references, the most common meaning of the .SDS extension is a StarOffice (StarDivision) Chart document, often referred to as “StarChart.” Apache OpenOffice’s type mapping explicitly links .sds to the StarDivision chart MIME type application/vnd.stardivision.chart, and the same mapping appears in other MIME references and platform mappings.

In practical terms, you’ll usually encounter .SDS files when working with older office documents or legacy document processing systems that still ingest StarOffice formats. For example, IDOL Connector Framework Server documentation lists support for “Star Office 4,5 Chart” with the SDS extension and the same MIME type.

Because this is a legacy-oriented office chart format, modern workflows often involve opening the file in a compatible office suite and then saving/exporting it to a more current format. If the file does not open, it may be due to version compatibility (legacy StarOffice formats) or file corruption.

Common MIME types: application/vnd.stardivision.chart

Further reading

Authoritative resources for more details on the .SDS format.

Common .SDS issues

The .SDS file won’t open or shows as an unknown format

This often happens when no compatible office suite is installed, or when the suite version has limited support for legacy StarOffice chart documents.

  1. Install LibreOffice, then try opening the file again (or try Apache OpenOffice if available, as legacy formats may behave differently across versions).
  2. Open the suite first and use File → Open instead of double-clicking the file.
  3. If possible, ask the sender to export the chart to a modern format from the original application.

File opens but the chart looks wrong or content is missing

Legacy chart documents can import imperfectly depending on the generating StarOffice version and the importing suite/version.

  1. Try opening the file in a different version of LibreOffice/OpenOffice (import filters can differ between releases).
  2. If you can open it at least partially, immediately save a copy and export to a newer format to preserve what imports correctly.

The file appears corrupted or won’t load at all

The file may be incomplete (bad transfer/download) or damaged, which can prevent chart parsers from reading it.

  1. Re-copy or re-download the .SDS file from the original source and try again.
  2. Test the file on another computer with LibreOffice/OpenOffice to rule out a local installation issue.

FAQ

Is .SDS really an “archive” file?

In the provided sources, .SDS is identified as a StarOffice/StarDivision StarChart document (a chart file) with MIME type application/vnd.stardivision.chart, not as a general-purpose archive format.

What program should I use to open an .SDS file?

Common options mentioned in the sources include Apache OpenOffice (older versions) and LibreOffice for opening StarOffice/OpenOffice chart documents.

Can I convert an .SDS file by renaming it?

No. Renaming only changes the extension label. Open it in a compatible suite (LibreOffice/OpenOffice) and use Save As/Export to convert.

What does the MIME type application/vnd.stardivision.chart mean for .SDS?

It’s the standardized identifier used by systems and software to recognize .SDS as a StarDivision/StarOffice chart document (StarChart).

Similar file extensions

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