SXW File Extension
StarOffice Writer Document
- File Type sxw
- Developer Oracle
- Popularity
- Application TextMaker
- Category Document Files
- Format Binary
What is a SXW file?
StarOffice Writer Document, identified by the SXW extension, is a Document Files type and includes 969 files.
The StarOffice Writer Document (SXW) was created by Oracle, a company that developed file format and produced 36 programs for their use.
SXW files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux. If you need to open a SXW file, you can use one of 6 programs, such as OpenOffice Writer, TextMaker and LibreOffice Writer.
MIME types
- application/vnd.sun.xml.writer
File Signature
HEX code: 50 4B 03 04 14 00. ASCII code: PK.
Programs that support SXW files
How to open a SXW file?
If you’re having difficulty opening a SXW file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.
The most popular programs for working with SXW files are OpenOffice Writer, TextMaker and LibreOffice Writer. To get the latest version of TextMaker, open the SoftMaker website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
Once the process is complete, TextMaker should take over as the default application for SXW files.
Set TextMaker as the default SXW program
Changing the default program in Windows
- Right-click your SXW file, then navigate to the "Open With" option and click "Choose Another Application" to continue;
- In the pop-up window, select the TextMaker application;
- Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening SXW files.
Change Default Program on Mac
- Right click or Control + left click on the desired SXW file;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- At the bottom of the window, you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, will be set to "Recommended Programs";
- Choose "All Programs" in this menu and search for TextMaker. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Convert to and from SXW
If a SXW file is difficult to handle, you might try converting it to formats such as PDF, RTF, DOC or similar, which may be easier to work with.
Please note that after converting a SXW file, some functionality may differ from the original. However, in many cases, it can be converted back to its original format.
Offline software, including OpenOffice Writer, LibreOffice Writer and AbiWord, allows smooth conversion of SXW files while preserving original quality.
Convert SXW to other file formats
Converting Files to SXW Format
Solve problems with SXW files
Rest assured, any issues with SXW files can typically be addressed with simple software adjustments. See the tips below for help.
What are the telltale signs of a corrupt SXW file?
Corrupted SXW document files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the SXW file;
- Opening the file in TextMaker or other programs causes them to hang or crash;
- Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
- While working with the file, error messages appear;
- Poor performance when editing a file in OpenOffice Writer;
Why does TextMaker quit or crash unexpectedly?
TextMaker crashes can occur due to outdated software versions. To mitigate this, install the latest updates for SoftMaker products.
Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.
What methods can be used to repair a damaged SXW file?
Open the damaged SXW file with a recovery program, and then select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair process. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged document files.
How to edit a SXW file?
To edit SXW files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify document files. Online SXW editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for StarOffice Writer Document.
List of Top SXW editors 2026
Based on the criteria above, here is a selection of SXW editors you can use.
| SXW Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenOffice Writer | OpenOffice | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.7 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| AbiWord | AbiSource | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.6 out of 5 (43 reviews) |
| LibreOffice Writer | TDF | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.5 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| TextMaker | SoftMaker | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (38 reviews) |