XWD to SK Converter

Convert XWD raster images to SK vector format online

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Your XWD files are deleted immediately after conversion to SK. Converted files are automatically removed from servers within 24 hours.

Batch Processing

Upload multiple XWD files at once and convert them all to SK in a single session — ideal when you have many legacy images to migrate.

Cross-Platform Access

Whether you are on a desktop, tablet, or phone — convert XWD to SK from any device with a modern web browser.

How to convert XWD to SK

1

Select files from Computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page.

2

Choose sk or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported)

3

Let the file convert and you can download your sk file right afterwards

About formats

XWD (X Window Dump) is a screen capture image format defined as part of the X Window System by the MIT X Consortium, dating to approximately 1987. The xwd command-line utility captures the contents of an X window or the entire screen and saves it as an XWD file — functionally equivalent to a screenshot utility but predating the concept by years. XWD files contain a detailed header specifying the X server's visual type, bit depth, byte order, bitmap unit and padding, the window's dimensions, border width, and color map information, followed by the raw pixel data exactly as represented in the X server's framebuffer. This means XWD files faithfully capture the exact pixel representation used by the display hardware — including server-specific byte ordering, padding, and color organization — making them primarily useful on the system where they were captured or on systems with compatible display configurations. The header also stores the window name string and the full color map entries for indexed-color visuals. XWD supports all X11 visual types: StaticGray, GrayScale, StaticColor, PseudoColor, TrueColor, and DirectColor, at any bit depth supported by the X server. One advantage is exact framebuffer fidelity: XWD captures the window's pixel data in its native format without any color space conversion or compression, making it the definitive record of what the X server was actually displaying. The format's integration with the X11 command-line toolkit provides another practical benefit — xwd can capture specific windows by ID or name, be triggered remotely via SSH, and piped directly to format converters. XWD files are handled by ImageMagick, GIMP, xwud (the viewer companion to xwd), and xv.
Developer: MIT X Consortium
Initial release: 1987
SK is the native file format of Skencil (originally named Sketch), a free vector graphics editor for Linux created by Bernhard Herzog, with the first public release on October 31, 1998. Skencil holds historical significance as one of the earliest full-featured vector drawing applications written almost entirely in Python, with only performance-critical rendering components implemented in C. The SK file format uses a text-based, Python-like syntax to describe document structure — pages, layers, groups, and individual graphic objects are represented as nested statements with parameters specifying coordinates, colors, line styles, and transformations. The format supports Bezier curves, rectangles, ellipses, text objects with font specifications, imported raster images, gradient and pattern fills, and hierarchical grouping with affine transforms. One advantage is human readability — SK files can be opened in any text editor, making it possible to inspect, modify, or generate artwork programmatically using simple scripts. The Python-native structure also provides a benefit for automation: since Skencil itself is a Python application, the file format integrates naturally with scripting workflows for batch processing and procedural graphic generation. While Skencil's development slowed after the mid-2000s, its SK format became the foundation for the sK1 project, which extended the format and continued active open-source vector graphics development. SK files remain convertible through sK1, UniConvertor, and other open-source tools.
Developer: Bernhard Herzog
Initial release: October 31, 1998

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert XWD to SK?

Transforming XWD to SK means moving from a limited bitmap to Sketch/Skencil vector drawing format — scalable output suitable for print, web, and design workflows.

What apps support SK?

You can view SK with Skencil, Inkscape (with import), UniConvertor. These tools cover all major desktop and mobile platforms.

What exactly is the XWD format?

XWD (screen capture format from X Window System) originated in Unix/X11 screenshots. It has very limited modern application support but can be converted to modern formats on Convertio.

Is XWD to SK conversion free?

You can convert XWD to SK for free on Convertio. Premium plans are available if you need higher throughput or larger file allowances.

How long does XWD to SK conversion take?

Most XWD to SK conversions complete within a few seconds. The lightweight nature of XWD images means fast processing times.

Does converting XWD to SK affect quality?

Quality is maintained to the extent SK supports. Since XWD is a screen capture format from X Window System, the visual data transfers cleanly to SK.