What is a VSDX File?

Visual diagrams are essential tools for organizing complex information, designing systems, and communicating workflows. In this article, we’ll explore what a VSDX file is, what it contains, its pros and cons, and how to open it.

A VSDX file is a diagram document format native of Microsoft Visio, a tool for creating a wide range of visual diagrams such as flowcharts, business processes, organizational charts, technical drawings, and network maps. Introduced with Microsoft Visio 2013, VSDX replaced the older VSD format and became the new default for saving Visio documents.

Unlike the older binary format, VSDX is built on Open Packaging Conventions (OPC), meaning it is essentially a ZIP archive containing a collection of XML files. This structure makes the format more open, structured, and suitable for integration with other applications and workflows.

What is inside a VSDX file?

A VSDX file contains everything needed to render and manage a Visio diagram, including:

• The visual layout of shapes and connectors
• Metadata such as author, timestamps, and version info
• Themes, colors, and style configurations
• Multiple pages with individual settings and structures

Because of this internal structure, VSDX files can hold complex, multi-layered diagrams while keeping all formatting and relationships intact.

Common use cases for VSDX files

VSDX files are widely used across various industries where visual clarity and structured documentation are essential. In business and operations, teams use Visio diagrams to map workflows, illustrate organizational structures, and design process flows. In engineering and IT, VSDX diagrams help document system architectures, network infrastructures, and database schemas.

Professionals such as project managers, system architects, analysts, and technical writers frequently rely on VSDX files to convey complex ideas in a clear, standardized way. The ability to create multi-page, layered diagrams with metadata and visual consistency makes the format ideal for both internal documentation and client-facing presentations.

By supporting these use cases, VSDX files play a crucial role in planning, communication, and decision-making within structured environments.

Pros and cons of the VSDX format

Like any file type, the VSDX format offers benefits and has some limitations depending on how it’s used.

Pros:

• Modern and structured: The XML-based ZIP format is more accessible for developers and integrations.
• Rich in features: Supports advanced diagram elements like layers, metadata, shapes, and styles.
• Cross-version compatibility: Works across recent Visio versions and some third-party viewers.
• Better stability: The structure reduces the risk of file corruption compared to older binary files.

Cons:

• Limited editing options: While many tools can view VSDX files, full editing requires specific software.
• Large file sizes: Detailed diagrams with many objects and pages can result in heavy files.

Overall, VSDX is a robust and versatile format, especially for business and technical environments where clarity and structure are essential.

How to open a VSDX file

Opening a VSDX file typically requires compatible software. The most straightforward option is Microsoft Visio, but it’s a commercial product and may not be accessible to everyone. If you don’t have Visio, you can use various alternatives — both desktop and online — that support the format.

One of the most practical ways to open VSDX files in a collaborative environment is through ONLYOFFICE Diagram Viewer, available as part of the ONLYOFFICE Docs platform.

Open VSDX files with ONLYOFFICE Diagram Viewer

ONLYOFFICE Diagram Viewer is a built-in tool within the ONLYOFFICE suite that allows you to open and view VSDX diagrams without relying on Microsoft Visio. It works inside the ONLYOFFICE Docs editors or within ONLYOFFICE DocSpace — a secure collaboration platform for managing documents. It’s designed for convenience and accuracy, supporting a wide range of diagram elements and layouts.

With ONLYOFFICE Diagram Viewer, you can:

• Open and explore VSDX files: View diagrams with high fidelity, maintaining layout, shapes, colors, and structure exactly as intended.
• Browse multi-page documents: Seamlessly scroll between different pages in complex diagrams.
• Zoom and pan: Focus on specific sections or navigate large visual maps with ease.
• Access from anywhere: Use the viewer via web browser on desktop or mobile — no extra plugins or extensions needed.

 

Whether you’re reviewing a process diagram from a teammate or checking a floor plan on the go, ONLYOFFICE Diagram Viewer gives you a smooth, no-hassle way to work with VSDX files.

Get ONLYOFFICE and open VSDX files

Want to try these features yourself? Download ONLYOFFICE Docs today and open VSDX files with ease. Try ONLYOFFICE online or download the desktop app:

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