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VSD vs. VSDX vs. VSSX at a glance
| Extension | File role | Format and practical use |
|---|---|---|
.vsd |
Visio drawing | Older proprietary binary drawing format. Support depends on the Visio product you use. Microsoft describes the earlier binary format. |
.vsdx |
Visio drawing | Newer default drawing format, introduced in Visio 2013. It is an XML-based package and does not store VBA macros. Microsoft documents the format. |
.vssx |
Visio stencil | Default format for a stencil of reusable shapes. A custom stencil may need to be shared separately from the drawing that uses it. Microsoft explains how to share custom stencils. |
The key distinction is role: VSD and VSDX hold diagrams; VSSX holds a collection of shapes you can reuse in diagrams. The difference between VSD and VSDX is primarily format generation and structure, not whether the file is a drawing.
What is inside a VSDX file?
A VSDX file is not one standalone XML document. It is a ZIP container organized according to Open Packaging Conventions (OPC), with XML document parts and relationships linking content such as pages, shapes, masters, images, and other resources. Microsoft’s file-format overview describes the package structure.
This packaging is different from the older VDX XML drawing format, which was a standalone XML file. You generally do not need to inspect the package to open or edit a diagram. Changing a VSDX filename extension to ZIP is only a way to inspect package contents; it does not convert the drawing to another format.
How to open a VSD file
Choose the Visio product based on whether you need to view or edit the drawing. Web support differs by offering, and Microsoft’s product support guidance can change, so check the current page for your account and licensing conditions.
- Visio desktop: Open the VSD file in a compatible desktop version. When an earlier-format drawing opens, Visio uses Compatibility Mode, which turns off features that could cause problems in older Visio versions. Microsoft explains Compatibility Mode.
- Visio in Microsoft 365: Microsoft says this offering creates and edits VSDX, not VSD. Its guidance says VSD files are not supported, including VSD files converted to VSDX. See Microsoft’s Visio for the web FAQ.
- Visio Plan 1: Microsoft’s support guidance lists VSD among the file types Plan 1 can view. It also lists VSDX, XML drawing, and macro-enabled drawing files for viewing; creating or editing VSDX requires a license and compatible elements. Check the Plan 1 support details.
If a web editor cannot open the file or does not support a feature it uses, try a compatible desktop Visio edition rather than assuming that renaming or uploading the file will make it work.
How to convert an older VSD drawing
In desktop Visio, save a copy in the newer format when you want to stop using Compatibility Mode. If you need to deliver an older-format file, use Save As and select the older Visio drawing type. Features unavailable in that older format can cause compatibility issues; the Compatibility Checker identifies potential problems, but conversion should not be treated as guaranteed lossless.
- To convert to a newer format: Open the drawing, then select File > Info > Convert, or use File > Save As and choose the newer Visio drawing format. The exact options can vary by Visio version. Microsoft’s conversion instructions cover the workflow.
- To save for an older Visio version: Select File > Save As, choose the older Visio drawing type, and review any Compatibility Checker warnings before sharing. Microsoft describes saving to an earlier format.
Does a Visio drawing include its stencil?
Not necessarily. A custom stencil is saved as a separate VSSX file. If you send someone a VSDX drawing that uses shapes from your custom stencil, the drawing does not give them the stencil file itself. Share the VSSX separately if they need access to that reusable shape library. Microsoft’s custom-stencil guidance covers saving and sharing it.
What about macros?
VSDX and VSSX do not store VBA macros. Microsoft identifies VSDM as the macro-enabled drawing format and VSSM as the macro-enabled stencil format. Renaming an extension does not convert a file or preserve macro support; use the appropriate macro-enabled format when the file needs to contain VBA. Microsoft’s extension reference lists these formats.
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