How to Convert Smartdraw Files to Open Office

Convert a SmartDraw file to OpenOffice using a JPEG, GIF or Microsoft Office file extension.

SmartDraw presentation software can convert into many file types, but unfortunately, OpenOffice is not one of them. All is not lost, however, as there is a workaround for this problem. To convert SmartDraw files to OpenOffice add an intermediary step to save the document in a file type OpenOffice can recognize, such as the JPEG file type, then open the SmartDraw file. If you have access to Microsoft Word or PowerPoint, you can save a SmartDraw file in either application and open the document in OpenOffice.

Things You'll Need

• SmartDraw presentation document
• OpenOffice Draw or Writer
• Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (optional)

Instructions

1. Create a SmartDraw presentation document and save it in a SmartDraw file type if you wish to keep the document with SmartDraw after exporting.

2. Click the SmartDraw button located at the upper left of the screen to open the SmartDraw Controls menu. Select "Export" to view available file type options. If you want to convert the SmartDraw file to a graphic file type, choose either the JPEG or the GIF file option. If you want to save the SmartDraw document as a Microsoft Word or PowerPoint file, choose that option, then select a convenient location to save the file to, such as your desktop and click "Save."

3. Open the OpenOffice application or document in which you want to insert the SmartDraw file. Click the "File" tab on the OpenOffice main menu, then select "Open." Navigate to the location where you saved the file, select it and click "Open" to open the file in OpenOffice.

Tips & Warnings

• When deciding whether to save a SmartDraw file as a GIF or JPEG file, choose GIF if the document contains flat, solid colors and if you will not be sending the document out for printing. Choose the JPEG file type if the document contains photo-quality images or if you will be professionally printing the document (see Resources).

• Be sure to complete all editing on the SmartDraw document before converting and placing it in OpenOffice, as there will be no options for further editing.

• To include a SmartDraw file without converting the file type, copy and paste it into your OpenOffice document.

References

• SmartDraw: User Guide

Resources

• San Studio: Graphic File Type Overview