Opening an SDL File

The SDL file type is primarily associated with Visual Studio.

SDL	File extension: SDL
	File type:	Service Description Language file

What is an SDL file?

SDL files mostly belong to Visual Studio by Microsoft. SDL files are utilized by Visual Studio, an integrated development environment (IDE) developed by Microsoft. This program is utilized to develop computer programs, websites, web apps, web services, and mobile apps.

Main Usage: The SDL files were utilized as the precursor format to WSDL (Web Service Description Language) files, but are subsequently not commonly used anymore. Previously, the SDL files were a part of the Visual Studio .NET 2002 release, where Microsoft implemented the beginning of a managed code development environment using the .NET Framework.
Alternatives: In addition to being used within Visual Studio, SDL files are also utilized within ray tracing, GIS, and mapping programs such as Autodesk MapGuide. The file specifies the elements required to sufficiently render a scene, including the models, lights, and animations, all accessible through the given software. These files are generally stored in ASCII text files or XML files, such that they can be edited and removed externally to the application.

How do you open SDL files?

You need a suitable software like Visual Studio to open an SDL 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 SDL file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a SDL file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online SDL File Viewer

Choose your .sdl file to play

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to extract texts from SDL files or capture a screenshot to PDF, JPG, DOCX, TXT, ...

If you want to extract texts from SDL file or capture a screenshot, you can use our free Online SDL File Viewer:

Just click the "Choose your .sdl file to play" button on this page.
Your SDL file will then be displayed in the browser.
Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
Then choose the file format (e.g. JPG, PDF, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
Your file will be converted and downloaded.

Programs that open and convert SDL files:

Visual Studio by Microsoft
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. SDL files are often referred to as Visual Studio developers because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Alias AutoStudio (Scene Description Language file) by Autodesk
Alias AutoStudio is a industrial design software from Autodesk that was previously developed by Alias. The SDL Scene Description Language file format stores specifications for rendering a scene in Alias AutoStudio. SDL files are in the binary format, but can be converted to text files. This file format is classified as 3D Image. Related links: Alias Products on Wikipedia, SDL File in Alias Products Knowledge Base, SDL File Description, Editing SDL Files, Alias AutoStudio in Autodesk Automotive Showreel
Dive Manager (dive log) by Suunto
Dive Manager is a software for managing dives and downloading dive logs from Sunnto dive computers. The SDL format stores a dive log in older versions of Dive Manager. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Dive Manager FAQs, Forum Discussion About SDL Files, Forum Discussion About Converting Dive Manager SDL Files
OzWIN (email/forum access custom message search file) by Ozarks West Software
OzWin is a graphical user interface for accessing CompuServe Information Service (CIS) in Windows. The SDL format may be associated with email/forum access custom message search in OzWIN. This file format is classified as Web (source). Related links: OzWIN on Wikipedia, OzWIN on HandWiki, Archived OzWIN Forum Page, OzWIN in PC World, OzWin Mentioned in Boardwatch Magazine
Paradox (delivered script file) by Corel
Paradox is a relational database management system (RDBMS) published by Corel. It was also bundled with the WordPerfect office suite. The SDL file format is used to store a delivered script (also known as distributed script) in Paradox. Script source files use the SSL format. This file format is classified as Database. Related links: Paradox on Wikipedia, WordPerfect Guide Mentioning SDL Files, Forum Discussion About SDL and SSL Files in Paradox, SDL Files Mentioned in Forum Discussion, Paradox Review
SmartDraw (SmartDraw library) by SmartDraw
SmartDraw is a software for creating diagrams, charts, and floor plans. The SDL format stores a SmartDraw symbol library. This file format is classified as CAD. Related links: SmartDraw on Wikipedia, SmartDraw Knowledge Base, Article About SmartDraw, SmartDraw Video Introduction

SDL format details:

Every file has a defined file format, i.e. how the data is arranged in the file. The file format can be determined based on the file extension and the signature (the first few characters of a file). Frequently, however, one file extension is used by different programs for different file formats, and one file format for different file extensions. If there are problems opening a file, you must first determine the file format used. Below you will find our evaluation of the SDL files:

The SDL file type is a very commonly used file extension and covers different formats for different programs. The two most popular formats are as follows:

65% of all SDL files store the data in the config file format. A configuration file is used by computer software to store settings. It consists of a text-based content with a structure and syntax comprising key–value pairs for properties, and sections that organize the properties. These files are plain text, which means they can be viewed with any text editor such as Windows Editor, Nano for Linux, and TextEdit for macOS. SDL files can be up to 6 KB in size, but are often around 180 bytes - 1 KB. The file type was developed only in the last few years. The keywords #Mapping values are typical for these files. These files are attributed to mapping, account, sfdc, mainframe, order, line, contact and item.
3% of all SDL files have the same signature CHANGE DATE OF INDEX INDEX NAME INDEX CODE INDEX KEY. These files are plain text, which means they can be viewed with any text editor such as Windows Editor, Nano for Linux, and TextEdit for macOS. A typical file size is 1 KB. The following keywords are characteristic: ADJ COUNT, ADJ DIVISOR, ADJ MARKET CAP, CHANGE, CLOSE COUNT, CLOSE DIVISOR, CLOSE MARKET CAP, DATE OF INDEX, GICS CODE, INDEX CODE, INDEX KEY, INDEX NAME, INDEX VALUE, ISO CODE, DAILY RETURN and INDEX DIVIDEND. Such files sometimes refer to spasx.

All the rest of the SDL files (32%) have different formats, frequently e.g. SMRTLIBF. Files like these are sometimes linked to service, contract, product, data, jands, asset, quote, mail or work. If you want to find out what your SDL file contains, drag and drop it onto this page.

Technical Data for SDL File Extension

File classification:

Developer

Related files:

sdlppx, graphql, sdlxliff, sdltm, stl, sdlproj, sldprt, sld, zip, sdf, sldasm, sdc, gql, exe, csv, mor, rar, docx, pal, txt, res, o, sln

Mime type:

application/octet-stream

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: PdoxwinScript
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Borland\Paradox\pdxwin32.exe -b %1

ProgramID: SDLFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Corel\WordPerfect Office 2000\Programs\pdxwin32.exe -b %1

ProgramID: sdlfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio .NET\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe /dde

ProgramID: SmartDraw.Library
EXEFile: C:\XP-Graph\SmartDraw\SmartDraw.exe %1

ProgramID: VisualStudio.sdl.7.1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe /dde

ProgramID: SmartDraw.Library
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\SMARTD~1\SMARTD~1.EXE %1

ProgramID: VisualStudio.sdl.7.1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Visual Studio .NET 2003\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe /dde

ProgramID: SmartDraw.Library
EXEFile: C:\SmartDraw\SmartDraw.exe %1

ProgramID: SmartDraw.Library
EXEFile: blank

ProgramID: SmartDraw.Library
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\SmartDraw 7\SmartDraw.exe %1

ProgramID: SmartDraw.Library
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\SMARTD~1\SMARTD~4.EXE %1

ProgramID: VCExpress.sdl.8.0
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\Common7\IDE\VCExpress.exe /dde

ProgramID: SDLFIle
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Corel\Paradox 9 Runtime\Programs\PdxRwn32.exe -b %1

ProgramID: VBExpress.sdl.8.0
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\Common7\IDE\vbexpress.exe

ProgramID: VWDExpress.sdl.8.0
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\Common7\IDE\VWDExpress.exe

ProgramID: VisualStudio.sdl.8.0
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe

ProgramID: VCSExpress.sdl.8.0
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\Common7\IDE\VCSExpress.exe

ProgramID: SmartDraw.Library
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\SMARTD~1\SmartDraw.exe

ProgramID: SmartDraw.Library
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\SmartDraw 2007\SmartDraw.exe

ProgramID: SmartDraw.Library
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\SmartDraw\SmartDraw 2007\SmartDraw.exe

ProgramID: VWDExpress.sdl.9.0
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\IDE\VWDExpress.exe

ProgramID: VisualStudio.sdl.9.0
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe

ProgramID: VBExpress.sdl.9.0
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\IDE\vbexpress.exe

ProgramID: ScheduleDocument
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\KLMROY~1\WORLDT~1\TIMETA~1.EXE

ProgramID: VCExpress.sdl.9.0
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\IDE\VCExpress.exe

ProgramID: VSTA.sdl.8.0
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\Common7\IDE\vsta.exe

Show all 26 listings To Top

an sdl Service Description Language file is a special file format by Microsoft and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with SDL files

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