Convert ODT to SXW

Why Convert ODT to SXW?

Converting ODT to SXW format is necessary when you need to work with legacy systems running StarOffice 6-8 or OpenOffice.org 1.x. While ODT is the modern standard, SXW was the native format for these older office suites before the OpenDocument Format was standardized.

SXW (StarOffice Writer) format was developed by Sun Microsystems for StarOffice and early versions of OpenOffice.org. In 2005, the format evolved into the standardized ODT format. However, some organizations and systems still use these legacy office suite versions and require SXW format for document compatibility.

This conversion is particularly useful when accessing old document archives, working with systems that haven't been upgraded from StarOffice or OpenOffice.org 1.x, or when you need to maintain compatibility with legacy workflows that specifically require the SXW format.

Key Benefits of Converting ODT to SXW:

• Legacy Compatibility: Works with StarOffice 6, 7, and 8
• Old OpenOffice Support: Compatible with OpenOffice.org 1.x versions
• Archive Access: Access old document repositories
• System Requirements: Support for older systems that can't run modern software
• Backward Compatibility: Maintain workflows with legacy office suites

Practical Examples

Example 1: Legacy System Document Exchange

Input ODT file (report.odt):

Modern LibreOffice document:
├── Company Report 2025
├── Formatted headings
├── Tables with data
├── Embedded images
├── Headers and footers
└── Page numbers

Output SXW file (report.sxw):

Legacy-compatible document:
✓ Opens in StarOffice 6-8
✓ Compatible with OpenOffice.org 1.x
✓ Basic formatting preserved
✓ Tables converted
✓ Works on older systems
✓ Suitable for legacy workflows

Example 2: Archive Document Migration

Input ODT file (policy.odt):

Company Policy Document
Created in: LibreOffice Writer

Contents:
- Policy guidelines
- Formatted sections
- Internal links
- Standard formatting

Output SXW file (policy.sxw):

Archive-ready document:
✓ Compatible with document management system
✓ Works with StarOffice archive viewer
✓ Accessible on legacy terminals
✓ Maintains basic structure
✓ Readable in old office versions
✓ Suitable for long-term storage

Example 3: Old System Integration

Input ODT file (memo.odt):

Internal Memorandum
TO: Department Heads
FROM: IT Department
RE: System Update

Text content with basic formatting:
- Bold headings
- Bulleted lists
- Standard paragraphs

Output SXW file (memo.sxw):

Legacy system compatible:
✓ Opens on OpenOffice.org 1.1.5
✓ Works with StarOffice 7
✓ No upgrade required
✓ Compatible with old workstations
✓ Preserves essential formatting
✓ Maintains document workflow

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is SXW format?

A: SXW (StarOffice Writer) is the legacy document format used by StarOffice 6-8 and OpenOffice.org 1.x before the standardization of the OpenDocument Format (ODT) in 2005. It was developed by Sun Microsystems and served as the predecessor to ODT.

Q: Why would I need to convert to SXW in 2025?

A: While SXW is deprecated, you may need it for accessing legacy systems, working with old document archives, or supporting environments that still run StarOffice or OpenOffice.org 1.x. Some organizations with legacy infrastructure may still require this format.

Q: Will all formatting be preserved?

A: Basic formatting like fonts, colors, bold, italic, tables, and images will be preserved. However, modern ODT features that didn't exist in the SXW era (like advanced track changes, certain formula types, or complex styles) may be simplified or lost.

Q: Can modern software open SXW files?

A: LibreOffice and OpenOffice can import (open) SXW files, but they may not support saving in SXW format. Modern versions have dropped SXW export support since ODT is the standard. Microsoft Word and most modern word processors do not support SXW.

Q: Is SXW the same as ODT?

A: No. While both are XML-based ZIP archives used by OpenOffice-family applications, they have different XML schemas. SXW uses Sun's original XML format, while ODT uses the OASIS OpenDocument Format standard. ODT is the modern successor to SXW.

Q: Should I use SXW for new documents?

A: No. SXW is deprecated and not recommended for new documents. Use ODT for new documents as it's the modern ISO standard with better feature support and wider compatibility with current software. Only use SXW when specifically required for legacy system compatibility.

Q: Can I convert SXW back to ODT?

A: Yes, you can convert SXW to ODT. In fact, when you open an SXW file in modern LibreOffice or OpenOffice, you should save it as ODT to use the modern format. The conversion from SXW to ODT typically preserves all content since ODT supports all SXW features and more.

Q: What versions of StarOffice/OpenOffice use SXW?

A: SXW was the native format for StarOffice 6.0, 7, and 8, and for OpenOffice.org 1.x versions (1.0, 1.1, etc.). Starting with OpenOffice.org 2.0 (released in 2005), the native format changed to ODT (OpenDocument Format).