StarOffice XML Writer (.sxw)

The SXW file extension is linked to StarOffice Writer, a word processing application within the StarOffice suite developed by Sun Microsystems. StarOffice Writer was later succeeded by OpenOffice Writer, part of the Apache OpenOffice suite. The SXW format is based on the OpenDocument XML format, enabling the creation of rich text documents with various formatting options, images, tables, and other elements. This format was designed as an open standard to promote interoperability and accessibility across different software platforms. SXW files are essentially ZIP archives containing XML files and other resources, making them flexible and efficient for storing complex documents.

StarOffice Writer and its successor, OpenOffice Writer, were developed to provide a free and open-source alternative to proprietary word processing software like Microsoft Word. The SXW format was a key component of this vision, offering users a robust and versatile file format compatible with different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Although the SXW format has largely been replaced by the ODT (OpenDocument Text) format in more recent versions of OpenOffice, it remains an important part of the history of open-source office suites. Users can still open and edit SXW files using modern software, ensuring that documents created in this format remain accessible.