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

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

application/vnd.stardivision.writer identifies documents created by StarOffice Writer, the word processor of the StarOffice suite. These documents use a binary format packed with rich text, formatting, and embedded media.

Files carrying this MIME type typically have the SDW extension. Other related StarOffice binary formats exist (such as those with SDB and SDS extensions), but this MIME type specifically signals a word processing document.

Document creation: Enables users to produce formatted text with style settings and layout designs.
Software handling: Helps operating systems, web servers, and email clients recognize the file type and open it with the correct application.
Content integrity: Ensures embedded objects like images or tables display correctly when the document is accessed.

This MIME type is essential for proper file handling in digital communications and content management systems. It connects the file’s internal structure with software designed to edit or display complex documents.
For more details on file formats, visit Filext.com.

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.writer

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/vnd.stardivision.writer">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.writer');    
      res.end('Content here');    
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

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

FAQs

What program opens files with the MIME type application/vnd.stardivision.writer?

These files are legacy documents created by StarOffice Writer (versions 3.0 through 5.x). Today, you can open, view, and edit them using modern open-source suites like LibreOffice or Apache OpenOffice.

How do I configure an Apache server to serve .sdw files correctly?

To ensure browsers recognize the file type, add the AddType directive to your server's configuration file or .htaccess. Use the line: AddType application/vnd.stardivision.writer .sdw.

Can I view application/vnd.stardivision.writer documents directly in my web browser?

No, web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge cannot natively render legacy StarOffice binary files. The browser will instead prompt you to download the file so you can open it with a desktop application like LibreOffice Writer.

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

application/vnd.stardivision.writer refers to the older, proprietary binary format (typically .sdw) used by StarOffice. The other MIME type refers to the modern, XML-based OpenDocument Format (.odt) which replaced it as the standard.

How can I convert these files to a modern format like PDF or Word?

The most reliable method is to open the file in LibreOffice and use the Save As or Export function. You can then save the document as a Microsoft Word file (.docx), an OpenDocument Text file (.odt), or export it directly as a PDF.

How do I add support for this MIME type in Nginx?

You should update your mime.types file or add a types block in your server configuration. Add the entry: application/vnd.stardivision.writer sdw; to ensure the server sends the correct header.

Are files with this MIME type safe to open?

As with any legacy binary format that supports macros and embedded objects, there is a potential security risk if the file comes from an untrusted source. It is recommended to disable macros in your office suite before opening old .sdw files.

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.