Opening an SLD File

The SLD file type is primarily associated with GeoServer.

SLDFile Extension SLD
File extension: SLD
File type:  map layer descriptor

What is an SLD file

SLD files mostly belong to GeoServer by GeoServer Developers. SLD filename extension is mainly associated with slides created by the mslide component of AutoCAD 2D/3D design software. The SLD file contains an image of the current viewport (screen) containing a drawing within AutoCAD. SLD filename extension is also used by files containing map layer(s) data stored in the Styled Layer Descriptor file format specified by the Open Geospatial Consortium. The content of map layers stored in SLD files are written in XML format and they can be used to describe raster and vector data used to direct the Web Map Service (WMS) on how each layer of a map should be rendered. Some GIS programs that support SLD format include ArcGIS, GeoServer, and AtlasStyler SLD editor. Styled lines used by PaintShop Pro graphics editor are saved in SLD files. XnView saves slideshow settings in SLD files. SlideBook digital microscopy software uses SLD files to store images captured by microscopes.

How can I open an SLD file?

You need a suitable software like GeoServer to open an SLD file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your SLD file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a SLD file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online SLD Text Viewer

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Programs that open and convert SLD files:

  1. GeoServer by GeoServer Developers
    See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. SLD files are often referred to as GeoServer gis because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
  2. AutoCAD (slide) by Autodesk
    AutoCAD is a cross-platform computer-aided design software for creating, rendering, or simulating 2D and 3D models such as architectural designs, building plans, automotive systems etc. Slides created with its mslides component are stored in SLD files. This file format is classified as Raster Image.
  3. NEPLAN Electricity (imported/exported graphics) by NETPLAN
    NEPLAN Electricity is a software for analyzing, planning, optimizing, and simulating electrical power systems. The obsolete MS-DOS version of the program used SLD files to import and export graphics. This file format is classified as Raster Image.
  4. PaintShop (styled lines) by Corel
    PaintShop is a photo editing software with a range of tools for enhancing digital photographs and creating raster graphics designs. It saves styled lines in SLD files. This file format is classified as Raster Image.
  5. STABCAL (data) by MTECH
    STABCAL (short for Stability Calculation of Aqueous Systems) was an integrated software environment for performing stability analysis on aqueous systems. Data files used by STABCAL had SLD filename extension. This file format is classified as Data.
  6. Super Lister (data) by Virtualdesk
    Super Lister was a client software that was capable of connecting to multiple Netmeeting servers simultaneously. It saved some data in SLD files. This file format is classified as Data.
  7. XnView (slideshow settings) by XnSoft
    XnView is a versatile image manipulation software with an array of tools for editing, converting, and viewing images and slideshows saved in various file formats. It saves settings used to display compatible slideshow files in SLD files. This file format is classified as Raster Image.

SLD file format details:

The file format determines how the data is stored in the file. The file format can be determined based on the file extension and the signature (the first few characters of a file). File extension, signature and file format must match; otherwise errors will occur when the file is opened. So a detailed analysis of a file is vital in order to determine the format and the associated program. Our analysis of the SLD files produces the following result:

SLD is not that commonly used as a file extension. This file type is used by a few programs, each with its own file format. However, the following two file formats are common:

All other SLD files (60%) have different formats, the following 6 formats exist: XnView Slideshow Data and SLID. These files are often connected to aspl. Just click the "Choose your .sld file to analyze" button on this page to find out what your SLD file is.

Technical Data for SLD File Extension

File classification:
GIS
Related files:

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: Filetopia.Document

ProgramID: SLD_UV
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Advanced Image Viewer and Converter\ImgViewer.exe %1

ProgramID: Slide Show File
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Archimedes Grapher Slide Show\AGSlideShow.exe %1

ProgramID: XnView.Slide
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\XnView\xnview.exe -slide %1

ProgramID: ComponentDesigner.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Windows Embedded\bin\CDesign.exe %1


an sld map layer descriptor is a special file format by GeoServer Developers and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with SLD files

  • Associate the SLD file extension with the correct application.
  • Update your software that should actually open map layer descriptors. Because only the current version supports the latest SLD file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the GeoServer Developers manufacturer website after an available GeoServer update.
  • To make sure that your SLD file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
  • Click here to open your .SLD file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.
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