.SDW file extension

To open .SDW files on Windows, install Apache OpenOffice, then double-click the .SDW file (or right-click → Open with → Apache OpenOffice).

To open a .SDW file, use an office suite that supports legacy StarWriter/StarOffice Writer documents—most commonly Apache OpenOffice. Avoid renaming the extension; instead, open it in a compatible word processor and then save/export to a modern format (like .ODT or .DOC).

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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.

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Open on your device

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

How to open .SDW files

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

Windows

Install Apache OpenOffice, then double-click the .SDW file (or right-click → Open with → Apache OpenOffice).
If it opens, use File → Save As to convert it to a modern format (for example .ODT).

Full Windows guide

Mac

If you have Apache OpenOffice available on your Mac, open the .SDW file from within the suite (File → Open).
If you cannot install a compatible desktop suite on macOS, transfer the file to a Windows or Linux PC with Apache OpenOffice to open/convert it.

Full Mac guide

Linux

Open the .SDW file with Apache OpenOffice (from your file manager’s Open With menu or by launching OpenOffice and using File → Open).
After opening, convert it via File → Save As (for example to .ODT) for better compatibility with modern tools.

Full Linux guide

iOS

iOS does not commonly support legacy .SDW documents directly; transfer the file to a desktop system (Windows/Linux/macOS) with Apache OpenOffice to open and convert it.

Full iOS guide

Android

Android typically cannot open legacy .SDW files reliably; move the file to a desktop system with Apache OpenOffice, open it there, and export to a modern format (such as .ODT) before returning it to your phone.

Full Android guide

Security notes

.SDW is a document format; opening untrusted documents can still be risky due to parser vulnerabilities in office software—prefer opening unknown files in a sandboxed or up-to-date environment.
If a .SDW file arrives unexpectedly, confirm its origin before opening, especially if it is meant to impersonate a different type of file.
Treat files identified as application/vnd.stardivision.writer as documents (not archives); if a tool claims it is an “archive,” verify the file type before attempting extraction or execution of any contents.

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.

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Can't open this file?

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

Common reasons

The .SDW file won’t open or is treated as an unknown format
Formatting looks wrong after opening
File opens, but you can’t share it easily

Fix steps

Open the file in Apache OpenOffice (File → Open) rather than relying on automatic app selection.
On Linux, ensure your desktop’s MIME database recognizes *.sdw as application/vnd.stardivision.writer (this mapping exists in shared-mime-info).

OS-specific troubleshooting

What is a .SDW file?

.SDW is associated with StarOffice Writer (StarWriter) documents, specifically older StarWriter 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 formats. Desktop environments may identify it with the MIME type application/vnd.stardivision.writer and map the *.sdw extension to that type via the shared-mime-info database. Because it is a legacy document format, modern software support can be inconsistent and may require using OpenOffice-family tools for best results.

Background

.SDW is best known as the file extension for legacy StarOffice Writer (also called StarWriter) documents. These files predate today’s common office formats and are typically encountered when opening older archives of documents created with StarOffice/StarWriter.

On Linux and other freedesktop.org-based desktops, the shared MIME database includes a mapping from *.sdw to the MIME type application/vnd.stardivision.writer, which helps file managers choose an appropriate application. Apache OpenOffice documentation also lists .sdw among the StarWriter formats it can work with.

In practical use today, .SDW files are usually opened for viewing or conversion. A common workflow is to open the file in an OpenOffice-compatible suite and then save it to a modern format for easier sharing and long-term access.

Common MIME types: application/vnd.stardivision.writer

Common .SDW issues

The .SDW file won’t open or is treated as an unknown format

Many modern apps do not support legacy StarWriter formats, so the file may not be recognized or may open with the wrong program.

Open the file in Apache OpenOffice (File → Open) rather than relying on automatic app selection.
On Linux, ensure your desktop’s MIME database recognizes *.sdw as application/vnd.stardivision.writer (this mapping exists in shared-mime-info).

Formatting looks wrong after opening

Legacy word-processing formats can render differently in modern software due to missing fonts, layout changes, or partial import support.

Try opening the file in Apache OpenOffice and then save it as .ODT to stabilize formatting.
If fonts are missing, install equivalent fonts on the system and re-open the document.

File opens, but you can’t share it easily

.SDW is a legacy format and may not be supported by recipients’ software.

In Apache OpenOffice, use File → Save As to convert to .ODT (or another widely supported format your recipient needs).
Keep the original .SDW as a backup in case conversion changes formatting.

FAQ

Is .SDW really an “archive” file?

The most common and well-documented use of .SDW is as a legacy StarOffice/StarWriter document format, not a general-purpose archive.

What MIME type is associated with .SDW on Linux desktops?

The freedesktop.org shared MIME database maps *.sdw to application/vnd.stardivision.writer.

Can I convert .SDW to a modern format?

Yes. Open the file in Apache OpenOffice and use File → Save As to export to a modern format such as .ODT.

Should I rename .SDW to .DOC or .ODT to open it?

No. Renaming does not convert the file; it can also confuse software. Use a compatible editor to open the .SDW file and then save/export it properly.

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