Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.XLSM
File Type
Microsoft Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .xlsm file format
The XLSM file extension represents a Microsoft Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook. Introduced with the release of Microsoft Office 2007, it is part of the Office Open XML (OOXML) standard. Unlike the standard XLSX format, which disables macros for security reasons, XLSM files are specifically designed to…
File extension
.XLSM
File type
Microsoft Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .xlsm file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .xlsm.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .xlsm file?
File extension details and usage information
The XLSM file extension represents a Microsoft Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook. Introduced with the release of Microsoft Office 2007, it is part of the Office Open XML (OOXML) standard. Unlike the standard XLSX format, which disables macros for security reasons, XLSM files are specifically designed to store and execute macros written in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Macros are scripts used to automate repetitive tasks, perform complex calculations, or create custom functions within a spreadsheet environment. Because macros can contain potentially malicious code, XLSM files include a layer of security that requires explicit user permission to run scripts upon opening the file. Structurally, an XLSM file is a compressed ZIP archive containing various XML files that define the spreadsheet's data, formatting, and properties, along with a binary file that stores the VBA project. This format is widely used in professional and business environments for financial modeling, data analysis, and automated reporting where standard spreadsheet functions are insufficient. It ensures that automation logic is preserved and portable across different systems that support the Excel macro engine. Furthermore, it supports all the features of a standard workbook, including pivot tables, charts, and complex formulas, while providing the added extensibility of programmatic control.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .xlsm files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .xlsm files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .xlsm file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .xlsm file.
Why can't I open a .xlsm file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .xlsm format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .xlsm files
To open a .xlsm file, use software that supports this file format.
- Microsoft Excel
- LibreOffice Calc
- Apache OpenOffice
- Corel WordPerfect Office
- Apple Numbers
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .xlsm file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.