Tips to open VSDX file

Can't open the VSDX file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open VSDX files as well as a list of programs that support VSDX files.

VSDX file extension

File Name Visio Drawing
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Vector Image Files

The VSDX file is supported on 4 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the VSDX files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the VSDX file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 3
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
  • 1
  • 0

What is VSDX file?

The .VSDX file is a Microsoft Visio diagram. The format was introduced in 2013 and replaced .VSD files. It is structurally based on the Open XML standard, i.e. it is a ZIP file. The content of the file is vector graphics, but in the context of drawing diagrams and drawings. Therefore, Visio should not be considered a graphics editor. It is a very universal tool for professional preparation of all kinds of charts, diagrams and complex drawings. It also allows you to post relationships between individual elements.

How to open VSDX file?

An often recurring problem with Visio Drawing is that VSDX is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that VSDX files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the VSDX file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install LibreOffice

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that LibreOffice is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name LibreOffice into the system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file VSDX with LibreOffice. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open VSDX files.

Step 2. Create association of LibreOffice with VSDX files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the VSDX file to open in the LibreOffice application, but you can set it manually. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the VSDX file with the LibreOffice program.

Step 3. Update LibreOffice to the latest version

If, despite the association of the LibreOffice program with the Visio Drawing file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the The Document Foundation website and install the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the VSDX file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. File problems can be divided into the following:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the VSDX file. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our VSDX file. Sometimes virus-infected VSDX files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the VSDX files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for the failure. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular VSDX file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Microsoft help.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted VSDX files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the VSDX file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. In this case, the VSDX file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the VSDX file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the VSDX file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.