RunConvert

SDW to MOBI Converter

Convert SDW to MOBI online for free. Fast, secure, and high-quality conversion with no sign-up or software required.

Free to useNo file stored beyond 1 hourEncrypted over TLS 1.2/1.3No watermarks

How it works

Three steps to your converted file

Everything happens in your browser tab - upload, pick a format, download. The heavy lifting runs on our servers.

01

Upload your file

Drag and drop, click to browse, or paste a URL. Batches take up to 20 files at once - 230+ input formats across video, audio, image, document, and archive types.

02

Choose an output format

Pick from over a hundred output formats. Filter by category or search by name - every option is open to everyone, no account needed.

03

Convert & download

Hit Convert and grab your download link moments later. Originals are erased when the job completes; results are cleared within about an hour.

What is an SDW file?

SDW is the legacy word-processing format used by StarOffice Writer and early OpenOffice.org releases, the predecessor suites to LibreOffice Writer. It stores text, formatting, and embedded objects using StarOffice's original binary document model, later replaced by the OpenDocument Text (ODT) standard. SDW files are mostly encountered today when converting old StarOffice document archives to modern formats.

How to open an SDW file

LibreOffice Writer opens SDW files directly via its built-in legacy StarOffice format support, automatically converting the document into its modern editing environment. Apache OpenOffice Writer also retains compatibility with this older format.

SDW Technical Info

Full Name
StarOffice/StarWriter Document
Developed By
StarDivision / Sun Microsystems
Initial Release
1996
MIME Type
application/vnd.stardivision.writer

What is a MOBI file?

The Mobipocket eBook format (MOBI) is a binary distribution format developed by Mobipocket SA in 2000, utilizing the Open eBook (OEB) standard and XHTML for reflowable content layout. Encapsulated within a Palm Database (PDB) container, MOBI files employ either the LZ77-based PalmDOC compression or the proprietary HUFF/CDIC algorithm to minimize file size. The format supports Digital Rights Management (DRM), metadata indexing, and javascript capabilities, serving as the foundational architecture for Amazon's proprietary AZW format before the adoption of KF8.

How to open a MOBI file

Native support for MOBI is restricted primarily to Amazon Kindle hardware and legacy Mobipocket readers. On Windows, macOS, and Linux, users require third-party eBook management software such as Calibre, which offers comprehensive viewing and conversion capabilities. Alternatively, the Kindle Previewer tool provided by Amazon or multi-format readers like FBReader and Sumatra PDF can render the unencrypted content of these archives.

MOBI Technical Info

Full Name
Mobipocket eBook Format
Developed By
Mobipocket SA
Initial Release
2000
MIME Type
application/x-mobipocket-ebook

Why RunConvert

The fastest way to convert any file

Purpose-built for speed, privacy, and breadth of format support.

Convert SDW to MOBI in seconds

Every SDW to MOBI conversion runs on our servers, so your device stays fast and the output quality stays intact.

Fast, cloud-powered

No queue, no waiting. Files are processed on high-performance servers and returned in seconds, even for large files.

Secure & private

Encrypted in transit and never shared with anyone. Uploads are erased the moment your job completes, and results shortly after.

Free - no account needed

Convert without creating an account - no credit card, no trial clock. Sign in only if you want history and higher daily limits.

Developer API

Convert SDW to MOBI via API

Automate SDW to MOBI conversions in three steps: create a job, upload your file, then poll for the result.

# 1. Create job
curl -X POST https://api.runconvert.com/v3/jobs \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "tag": "sdw-to-mobi",
    "tasks": {
      "upload-file": {
        "operation": "import/upload"
      },
      "convert": {
        "operation": "convert",
        "input": "upload-file",
        "output_format": "mobi"
      },
      "export-result": {
        "operation": "export/url",
        "input": "convert"
      }
    }
  }'

# 2. Upload your file (use upload_url from the response)
curl -X PUT "$UPLOAD_URL" --upload-file input.sdw

# 3. Poll for result
curl https://api.runconvert.com/v3/jobs/$JOB_ID?include=tasks \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your RunConvert API key. Get your free API key at runconvert.com/api.