Convert RST to SXW

Why Convert RST to SXW?

Converting reStructuredText (RST) documents to SXW format enables integration with legacy OpenOffice.org systems and provides an open-source alternative to proprietary document formats. While SXW has been superseded by ODT, many organizations still maintain archives and workflows using this format.

SXW provides full word processor functionality with an open, non-proprietary format. For teams committed to open-source tools, converting RST documentation to SXW creates editable documents that don't require Microsoft Office or other commercial software.

Government agencies and organizations with long-term document retention requirements often prefer open formats like SXW. Converting RST documentation ensures compliance with open document policies while maintaining the ability to edit and process documents decades into the future.

The conversion preserves RST's semantic structure while adding visual formatting. Headers become styled headings, code blocks receive monospace formatting, and tables are converted to proper word processor tables with borders and styling.

Key Benefits of Converting RST to SXW:

• Open Source Format: No proprietary software required
• Legacy Compatibility: Works with older OpenOffice systems
• WYSIWYG Editing: Full word processor editing capabilities
• Print Ready: Professional formatting for printing
• Cross-Platform: Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Long-Term Preservation: Open format for document archives
• Free Tools: LibreOffice and OpenOffice are free

Practical Examples

Example 1: Basic Document Conversion

Input RST file (manual.rst):

User Manual
===========

Introduction
------------

Welcome to the **product documentation**.
This manual covers installation and usage.

Getting Started
---------------

1. Download the software
2. Run the installer
3. Follow the setup wizard

.. note::
   Administrator rights may be required.

Output SXW document structure:

SXW Document View:

USER MANUAL (Heading 1 style)

Introduction (Heading 2 style)

Welcome to the product documentation. (Bold applied)
This manual covers installation and usage.

Getting Started (Heading 2 style)

1. Download the software
2. Run the installer
3. Follow the setup wizard

[Note Box] Administrator rights may be required.

Example 2: Technical Documentation with Code

Input RST file (api_doc.rst):

API Reference
=============

Authentication
--------------

All API calls require authentication:

.. code-block:: python

   import requests
   headers = {"Authorization": "Bearer TOKEN"}
   response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)

Endpoints
---------

+----------+------------------+------------------+
| Method   | Endpoint         | Description      |
+==========+==================+==================+
| GET      | /api/users       | List all users   |
+----------+------------------+------------------+
| POST     | /api/users       | Create new user  |
+----------+------------------+------------------+

Output SXW document:

SXW Document View:

API REFERENCE (Heading 1 style)

Authentication (Heading 2 style)

All API calls require authentication:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ import requests                               │
│ headers = {"Authorization": "Bearer TOKEN"}   │
│ response = requests.get(url, headers=headers) │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(Monospace font, bordered code box)

Endpoints (Heading 2 style)

┌──────────┬──────────────────┬──────────────────┐
│ Method   │ Endpoint         │ Description      │
├──────────┼──────────────────┼──────────────────┤
│ GET      │ /api/users       │ List all users   │
│ POST     │ /api/users       │ Create new user  │
└──────────┴──────────────────┴──────────────────┘
(Formatted table with borders)

Example 3: Report Document

Input RST file (report.rst):

Quarterly Report
================

:Author: John Smith
:Date: January 2026
:Version: 1.0

Executive Summary
-----------------

This quarter showed *significant growth* in:

* User acquisition (+25%)
* Revenue (+18%)
* Customer satisfaction (+12%)

.. warning::
   Budget projections need review.

Output SXW document:

SXW Document View:

QUARTERLY REPORT (Heading 1 style)

Author: John Smith
Date: January 2026
Version: 1.0
(Field list as formatted metadata)

Executive Summary (Heading 2 style)

This quarter showed significant growth (italic) in:

  * User acquisition (+25%)
  * Revenue (+18%)
  * Customer satisfaction (+12%)

[Warning Box] Budget projections need review.
(Highlighted warning callout)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is SXW format?

A: SXW is the native document format of OpenOffice.org Writer from 2000-2005. It's a ZIP-compressed archive containing XML files for content, styles, and metadata. While superseded by ODT (Open Document Format), it remains supported for legacy compatibility.

Q: What programs can open SXW files?

A: SXW files can be opened by LibreOffice Writer, Apache OpenOffice Writer, NeoOffice (Mac), and most programs that support ODF. Microsoft Word can also open SXW files with some limitations.

Q: Why use SXW instead of ODT?

A: SXW is primarily useful for legacy system compatibility. If you need to integrate with older OpenOffice installations or maintain archives in the original format, SXW is appropriate. For new documents, ODT is generally recommended.

Q: Will my RST formatting be preserved?

A: Yes, RST formatting is converted to equivalent Writer styles. Headers become styled headings, emphasis becomes bold/italic, code blocks receive monospace formatting, and tables are converted to proper word processor tables.

Q: Can I convert SXW back to RST?

A: Yes, tools like Pandoc can convert SXW to RST. The semantic structure is generally preserved, though some formatting details may need manual adjustment after conversion.

Q: Is SXW suitable for long-term archiving?

A: SXW is an open format, making it suitable for archives. However, for new archives, ODF (ODT) is recommended as it's the current ISO standard. SXW files can be easily converted to ODT for modern archiving.

Q: How are RST code blocks handled?

A: Code blocks are converted to paragraphs with monospace font (like Courier) and may include borders or background shading to distinguish them from regular text. The code structure and indentation are preserved.

Q: Can I edit the SXW in LibreOffice?

A: Absolutely! SXW is fully supported by LibreOffice Writer. You can edit text, modify formatting, add images, and use all standard word processor features. LibreOffice can also save to newer formats like ODT or DOCX.