Vector Formats Supported in LibreOffice Draw

LibreOffice Draw is a versatile open-source vector graphics editor capable of opening, importing, and modifying a wide variety of vector file types. While Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) is the most common format used within the software, Draw also provides robust support for industry-standard, proprietary, and legacy vector formats. This guide outlines the specific vector formats you can import into LibreOffice Draw and how they can be modified.

Supported Vector Formats for Import and Editing

• SVG / SVGZ (Scalable Vector Graphics): The standard format for 2D graphics on the web. LibreOffice Draw imports SVG files natively, preserving layers, paths, gradients, and text as fully editable vector shapes.
• PDF (Portable Document Format): Draw can open standard PDF files directly. Vector elements, text blocks, and embedded shapes within the PDF are converted into distinct, editable Draw objects.
• WMF (Windows Metafile) and EMF (Enhanced Metafile): Standard Microsoft Windows vector formats. When imported, these files can be broken down into native lines, polygons, and fills.
• CDR (CorelDRAW): Through integrated import filters, Draw can open files created in CorelDRAW (versions 1.0 through X8), translating them into native editable vector objects.
• VSD, VSDX, and VDX (Microsoft Visio): LibreOffice Draw natively supports importing Microsoft Visio drawings and technical diagrams, converting shapes, connectors, and text for direct manipulation.
• AI (Adobe Illustrator): Draw can import Adobe Illustrator files, provided they were saved with PDF compatibility enabled during export from Illustrator.
• DXF (AutoCAD Drawing Interchange Format): Used for CAD data exchange. 2D vector data from DXF files can be imported as editable lines, curves, and coordinates.
• EPS (Encapsulated PostScript): Draw can import EPS files. Depending on the operating system and installed PostScript interpreters, EPS files can either be displayed directly or converted into editable vector paths.
• ODG (OpenDocument Drawing): The native XML-based vector format of LibreOffice Draw, providing full non-destructive editing and styling capabilities.
• SXD (OpenOffice.org XML Drawing): The legacy format previously used by Apache OpenOffice and StarOffice, fully supported for import and modification.

How to Edit Imported Vector Files

When you insert a vector file into LibreOffice Draw (via Insert > Image or File > Open), it may initially behave as a single grouped graphic. To edit individual paths, points, and colors:

1. Select the imported graphic.
2. Right-click the object and select Ungroup (or press Ctrl + Shift + Alt + G).
3. If the graphic contains compound shapes, right-click and select Break to separate nested elements.
4. Use the Points tool (F8) to manipulate individual vector nodes, bezier handles, lines, and fills.