What is the SDA file format?
.sda is a legacy file format associated with StarOffice Draw, the vector graphics application bundled with StarOffice. .sda files are used for storing vector and raster graphics objects - shapes, text, layers and embedded bitmaps - in StarDivision's proprietary binary format, which predates the XML-based open formats used by modern office suites.
The format succession for StarOffice drawing files went from .sda to .sxd (the XML/ZIP format used by StarOffice 6 and OpenOffice.org 1.x), and then to .odg (OpenDocument Graphics), the current standard. Draw can be used for creating simple graphics, diagrams and other objects that can be transferred to other suite components.
The current version of LibreOffice Draw and Apache OpenOffice Draw can still import .sda files for compatibility, but no longer save to this format. If you have an .sda file, the recommended approach is to open it in LibreOffice Draw and re-save as .odg, or export to PDF or SVG to preserve the artwork in a modern format.
OpenOffice evolved from StarOffice, originally developed by StarDivision and acquired by Sun Microsystems in 1999. The suite was later donated to the Apache Software Foundation in 2011. Its components include Writer (word processor), Calc (spreadsheets), Impress (presentations), Draw (vector graphics) and Base (database). The actively maintained community fork is LibreOffice, developed by The Document Foundation.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWAn .sda StarDraw drawing is a document, not executable code, so risk is low. The only realistic concern is macro abuse: like other office documents a legacy StarOffice file could carry embedded Basic macros, and LibreOffice prompts before running them. Keep macro security at its default level and enable macros only from trusted sources. Avoid obscure 'SDA viewer' downloads - LibreOffice is the safe, free opener.
Format details
in a nutshell- Sambar Server data file - Configuration/data file associated with the legacy Sambar web server.
- SoftMax Pro / lab instrument data (.sda) - Data file produced by some scientific instrument software; unrelated to drawings.
Programs that open SDA files
Windows2 apps
LibreOffice Draw
Open-source Install LibreOffice, double-click the .sda - it imports into Draw. Then File > Save As .odg, or File > Export As PDF/PNG/SVG. 
Apache OpenOffice Draw
Open-source Opens legacy .sda; development is largely stalled, so prefer LibreOffice for reliability. 
macOS1 app
LibreOffice Draw
Open-source Open the .sda in LibreOffice Draw, then re-save as .odg or export to PDF/PNG. 
Linux1 app
LibreOffice Draw
Open-source Pre-installed on most distros; double-click to open in Draw and convert to a current format. Technical details
deep spec| Format era | StarOffice 5.x and earlier; proprietary StarDraw binary, pre-OpenDocument |
| Container | Proprietary legacy binary (not the ZIP/XML packaging used by later .sxd or .odg) |
| File encoding | Binary; little-endian byte order |
| Content | Vector shapes, text objects, layers and optionally embedded raster images |
| Successor formats | .sxd (StarOffice 6/OpenOffice.org 1.x XML/ZIP), then .odg (ODF OpenDocument Graphics) |
| MIME type | application/vnd.stardivision.draw |
| Typical file size | Tens of KB to a few MB, depending on embedded raster image data |
| Current import support | LibreOffice Draw and Apache OpenOffice Draw can open .sda but no longer save to this format |
| Password protection | Optional password protection available in legacy StarOffice |
| Color depth | Vector objects are resolution-independent; embedded raster images support up to 24/32-bit color |
| Origin | StarDivision StarOffice/StarDraw; acquired by Sun Microsystems 1999; donated to Apache Software Foundation 2011 |
| Recommended migration | Open in LibreOffice Draw and re-save as .odg, or export to PDF or SVG |
| Released | StarOffice / StarDraw (1990s, StarOffice 5.x era) |
| Latest version | StarOffice 5.2 (last to use .sda natively before the .sxd / OpenDocument transition) |
SDA conversions
Community Q&A
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