.VSD File Extension
Microsoft Visio Drawing (Legacy)
| Developer | Microsoft |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Vector Image Files |
| Format | .VSD |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an VSD file?
The .VSD file extension is associated with Microsoft Visio, a diagramming and vector graphics application.
These files contain graphical objects, flowcharts, organizational charts, network diagrams, floor plans, engineering designs, and other types of drawings.
The .VSD format was the default file format for Microsoft Visio files up until the release of Visio 2013, after which it was succeeded by the .VSDX format.
Despite being considered a legacy format, .VSD files are still widely used and supported.
More Information.
The initial purpose of the .VSD file format was to provide a robust and versatile solution for creating and managing diagrams.
Visio was designed to be user-friendly, offering a wide range of templates and shapes that could be easily customized.
The .VSD format allowed users to save their work in a way that preserved all elements of their diagrams, including shapes, connectors, text, and metadata.
This made it an invaluable tool for professionals in various fields, such as engineering, architecture, business process modeling, and IT infrastructure design.
Origin Of This File.
The .VSD file format was developed by Shapeware Corporation, which later became known as Visio Corporation.
The company introduced Visio in 1992 as a powerful tool for creating detailed and professional diagrams. Microsoft acquired Visio Corporation in 2000, integrating Visio into its suite of productivity software.
The .VSD format became the standard for saving Visio drawings, capturing detailed diagramming information in a single file.
File Structure Technical Specification.
The .VSD file format is a binary file format that encapsulates all the elements of a Visio drawing. It includes:
- Drawing Pages: Each .VSD file can contain multiple pages, each representing a different drawing or part of a larger diagram.
- Shapes and Connectors: The core elements of any Visio diagram, shapes can be standard geometric figures or custom shapes, while connectors define the relationships between these shapes.
- Layers: Layers help organize different parts of the diagram, allowing users to control visibility and editing permissions.
- Text and Annotations: Text can be attached to shapes or placed freely on the page, providing labels, descriptions, and other annotations.
- Metadata: Information about the file, such as the author, creation date, and modification history.
Technical Specifications
- Format Type: Binary
- MIME Type: application/vnd.visio
- Developed By: Visio Corporation (later acquired by Microsoft)
- Associated Applications: Microsoft Visio (up to version 2010), LibreOffice Draw (with limitations)
How to Convert the File?
Converting VSD files to other formats can be essential for sharing with users who do not have Visio. Here are some common conversion methods:
- Using Visio: Open the VSD file in Visio, then save it as a different format, such as VSDX, PDF, or PNG.
- Online Conversion Tools: Websites like Zamzar and OnlineConvert offer online conversion services that support VSD files.
- Third-Party Software: Applications like Lucidchart and ConceptDraw Diagram can import VSD files and export them in various formats.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Versatility: The .VSD format supports a wide range of diagrams, making it suitable for various industries and applications.
- Rich Features: Visio provides numerous templates, shapes, and customization options, allowing users to create detailed and professional diagrams.
- Compatibility: Despite being a legacy format, .VSD files are still supported by many versions of Microsoft Visio and some third-party applications.
- Integration: Visio integrates well with other Microsoft Office applications, enabling seamless data exchange and embedding.
Disadvantages:
- Legacy Format: As a legacy format, .VSD files may not be fully supported by newer software versions or third-party applications.
- Binary Format: The binary nature of .VSD files makes them less accessible for programmatic manipulation and analysis compared to XML-based formats like .VSDX.
- File Size: .VSD files can become large, especially for complex diagrams, which may impact performance and storage requirements.
How to Open VSD?
Open In Windows
- Microsoft Visio: The primary application for opening and editing .VSD files on Windows is Microsoft Visio. Ensure you have a compatible version (Visio 2010 or earlier) installed.
- LibreOffice Draw: LibreOffice Draw can open .VSD files, though with limited support for some advanced features and elements.
Open In Linux
- LibreOffice Draw: LibreOffice Draw is one of the few applications available on Linux that can open .VSD files. It may not support all features and elements but provides basic viewing and editing capabilities.
Open In MAC
- Visio Online: Microsoft offers Visio Online, a web-based version of Visio that allows users to view and edit .VSD files through a web browser.
- LibreOffice Draw: LibreOffice Draw is available for macOS and can open .VSD files with some limitations.
