What is MIME type "application/vnd.stardivision.impress"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

application/vnd.stardivision.impress designates a binary presentation file format used by StarOffice Impress.
It encapsulates slides with text, images, and multimedia objects. The format stores layout, transitions, and formatting data internally.
Key facts and use cases:

Presentation creation: Files in this format are made for slide shows and presentations.
Data embedding: They handle text, graphics, and multimedia elements together.
File handling: When served by a web server or opened locally, this MIME type signals a presentation file.
Legacy support: Though rooted in older StarOffice software, these files are still recognized by modern open‑source applications like LibreOffice.

Files associated with this MIME type include formats such as SDD. Other StarOffice binary formats also exist (for example, SDB, SDS, SDC, SDW, and more), each catering to different aspects of the suite’s functionality.
For further technical details, see the information on StarOffice.

Associated file extensions

.sdb, .sds, .sdc, .sdw, .sdg, .smf, .sgl, .sda, .sdp, .sdd, .sdm, .vor

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: application/vnd.stardivision.impress

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/vnd.stardivision.impress">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');    
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {    
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/vnd.stardivision.impress');    
      res.end('Content here');    
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.sdb, .sds, .sdc, .sdw, .sdg, .smf, .sgl, .sda, .sdp, .sdd, .sdm, .vor

FAQs

What is the application/vnd.stardivision.impress MIME type used for?

This MIME type represents binary presentation files created by the legacy StarOffice Impress software. It is specifically associated with extensions like .sdd and .sdp, containing slides, transitions, and embedded multimedia used in older slide shows.

How do I open a file with this MIME type on a modern computer?

Since StarOffice is discontinued, the best way to open these files is using open-source suites like LibreOffice Impress or Apache OpenOffice. These modern applications maintain backward compatibility and can import the legacy binary format.

How do I configure an Apache server to serve StarOffice Impress files?

To ensure browsers prompt a correct download, add the MIME type to your .htaccess file or main configuration. Use the directive: AddType application/vnd.stardivision.impress .sdd .sdp.

Can web browsers display application/vnd.stardivision.impress files directly?

No, major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge cannot render legacy StarOffice binary files natively. The browser will instead attempt to download the file so the user can open it with a local desktop application.

What is the difference between this type and application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.presentation?

The vnd.stardivision.impress type is for the older, proprietary binary format. The application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.presentation type corresponds to the modern, XML-based .odp format used by current versions of LibreOffice and OpenOffice.

How do I set up Nginx to handle these legacy extensions?

You should update your mime.types file or add a types block within your server configuration. For example: types { application/vnd.stardivision.impress sdd sdp; } ensures the correct header is sent.

Why does my computer identify the file as a generic binary file?

If the MIME type is missing from the server's headers or the local OS registry, the file may be treated as application/octet-stream. Installing LibreOffice typically registers the correct associations for extensions like sdd automatically.

Is it safe to open files served with this MIME type?

As with any legacy binary office format, these files can contain macros or exploit vulnerabilities in older software. Always verify the source of the file and consider converting it to a modern format like PDF or ODP immediately after opening.

General FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.