SXW File Extension

What is SXW file?

SXW is a text document file originally generated by StarOffice Writer software tool. SXW files store text data along with charts, images, and other elements. SXW can also hold information regarding text formatting, fonts style and size, page layout etc.

SXW file format is based on OpenDocument XML. The file data comprises character and word sequences encoded in ASCII. Hence, SXW format is similar to DOCX document format.

SXW format origins

SXW files were used by Apache OpenOffice Writer, which replaced the original software that introduced the SXW files, StarOffice Writer. Now, OpenOffice saves files as ODT documents by default.

Programs which support SXW file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 4 operating systems that support SXW files. SXW files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 03/15/2024

How to open file with SXW extension?

Problems with accessing SXW may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with SXW files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install Apache OpenOffice software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening SXW files is that no program that can handle SXW files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Apache OpenOffice or one of the recommended programs (for example, AbiWord, LibreOffice, IBM Lotus Symphony) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support SXW files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Apache OpenOffice installed is by going to developer’s website (Apache Software Foundation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Apache OpenOffice

You still cannot access SXW files although Apache OpenOffice is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Apache OpenOffice cannot handle files with SXW may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Apache OpenOffice is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate StarOffice Writer Document files with Apache OpenOffice

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate SXW files with latest version of Apache OpenOffice you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the SXW with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Apache OpenOffice installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open SXW files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with SXW extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with SXW extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the SXW file is complete and free of errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the SXW file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Check the SXW file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the SXW file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. SXW file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic SXW file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the SXW file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the StarOffice Writer Document file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Apache OpenOffice

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support SXW files. Close all running programs and try opening the SXW file.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with StarOffice Writer Document files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the SXW files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the SXW file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on SXW file.