FILE FORMAT GUIDE
What is a SDW file?
The legacy StarWriter document format used before OpenDocument became standard. Use this guide to decide whether to keep SDW or convert it for a different workflow.
PRACTICAL OVERVIEW
Where SDW works well
SDW is a strong choice for recovering editable documents from early StarOffice and OpenOffice releases.
The right output depends on what must remain editable, how the file will be shared, and which application or device needs to open it.
FORMAT QUESTIONS
About SDW files
What is SDW best used for?
SDW works especially well for recovering editable documents from early StarOffice and OpenOffice releases.
What can change during conversion?
Old fonts, fields, frames, styles, and embedded objects may not transfer exactly. Features that do not exist in the chosen output format cannot be carried across exactly.
Should I keep the original SDW file?
Yes. Keep the original until you have opened the result and checked its layout, quality, data, media tracks, or other important details.