Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.VSDM
File Type
Visio Macro-Enabled Drawing
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .vsdm file format
A VSDM file is a drawing created by Microsoft Visio, a diagramming and vector graphics application. It's similar to a VSDX file, but it contains macros. Macros are small programs that automate tasks within Visio, allowing users to create custom solutions and enhance the functionality of their diagr…
File extension
.VSDM
File type
Visio Macro-Enabled Drawing
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .vsdm file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .vsdm.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .vsdm file?
File extension details and usage information
A VSDM file is a drawing created by Microsoft Visio, a diagramming and vector graphics application. It's similar to a VSDX file, but it contains macros. Macros are small programs that automate tasks within Visio, allowing users to create custom solutions and enhance the functionality of their diagrams. Because VSDM files can contain executable code, they pose a security risk if opened from untrusted sources. Visio uses VSDM to store a variety of diagrams, including flowcharts, network diagrams, organizational charts, floor plans, and more. The macro functionality allows for dynamic diagrams that can respond to user input or data changes. When opening a VSDM file, Visio will typically prompt the user to enable or disable macros, providing a warning about potential security risks. Disabling macros will prevent the code from running, but may also limit the functionality of the diagram.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .vsdm files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .vsdm files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .vsdm 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 .vsdm file.
Why can't I open a .vsdm file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .vsdm 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 .vsdm files
To open a .vsdm file, use software that supports this file format.
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Visio (via web browser or Windows emulator)
- Lucidchart (limited support)
- LibreOffice Draw (limited support)
- Calligra Flow (limited support)
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 .vsdm 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.