THE FILE FIELD GUIDE

.sld

Styled Layer Descriptor

Maps & GPS

SLD describes map portrayal rules in XML. Apply it to matching spatial data; application-specific styling may not transfer completely.

Main use: Describe map colors, lines and labels
Data type: Text data

All sections, questions and sources

Content reviewed：2026-10-19 · Editor：Kai

Opening steps

Choose your environment or purpose to see its steps.

SLD-capable GIS or map server

Preserve the original and inspect a working copy in a compatible application.

Load the target dataset in GIS.
Load SLD through the layer’s style tools.
Inspect lines, fills and labels at different scales.

Inspect the received file and its requirements

Establish dependencies and settings before proceeding.

Match SLD version and consumer support.
Match fields referenced by rules.
Locate external symbols and fonts.

Menu labels and support vary by app, OS and version. Preserve the original before making changes.

Troubleshooting by symptom

Nothing displays: inspect data and scale constraints.
Wrong classification: compare fields and types.
No labels: inspect fonts, rules and collision behavior.
Different rendering: identify unsupported rules.

SLD → styled map / another style

Apply and verify in compatible GIS before map export.
Reopen the output and check it against the preservation points in this guide before handoff.

Rendered maps cannot reconstruct source geometry or every rule.

Style exchange versus data exchange

Exporting QML to SLD does not guarantee every feature; compare agreed reference scales.

Source for these steps：Open Geospatial Consortium · Styled Layer Descriptor / QGIS · General Tools — Styles

Worked example: checks before handoff

Example: share road styles with field names and scales and inspect lines/labels on the basemap.

Source for these steps：Open Geospatial Consortium · Styled Layer Descriptor / QGIS · General Tools — Styles

Related-format differences

Related-format differences
Format / method	Purpose and preserved information
.sld	Describe map colors, lines and labels
QML / SHP	QGIS-specific styles or other uses / spatial payload.
SLD → styled map / another style	Rendered maps cannot reconstruct source geometry or every rule.

Handling and security

Check external symbol URLs and attribute privacy.

Questions and answers

Is SLD a complete map?

The dataset is separate.

Same as QML?

A standard and an application format differ.

Can XML be edited?

Edit a copy with syntax/consumer support in mind.

Format facts: name, steward and MIME type

Formal name: Styled Layer Descriptor
Steward / specification: Open Geospatial Consortium
MIME type: Consult the producer or delivery system. The extension alone does not establish a MIME type.

Primary and official sources

StandardStyled Layer Descriptor
Standard describing map portrayal rules.
Open Geospatial Consortium · Link checked：2026-10-16
Software documentationGeneral Tools — Styles
Saving and loading QML/SLD styles.
QGIS · Link checked：2026-10-16