xlsm

.xlsm — Macro-Enabled Excel Spreadsheet

Microsoft · 2007

Developer

Microsoft

Key Features

Varies storage behavior for typical spreadsheet workflows
Common MIME type: application/vnd.ms-excel.sheet.macroenabled.12
Recognizable file signature: 50 4B 03 04
Associated with Microsoft

Best For

Structured calculations
Business analysis
Tabular collaboration

Less Ideal For

Rich page-layout publishing
Binary media delivery
Executable packaging

Common Use Cases

Calculations and formulas
Reporting and dashboards
Budgeting and tabular data

How to Open It

On Windows, open the file with Microsoft Excel or LibreOffice Calc.
On macOS, open the file with Microsoft Excel or LibreOffice Calc.
If the file does not open, confirm that the extension really matches .xlsm and that the download or transfer completed without corruption.

What is a .xlsm file?

An XLSM file is a spreadsheet document created with Microsoft Excel that includes macros. Macros are small programs that can automate repetitive tasks within the spreadsheet, such as data manipulation or formatting. This format is primarily used for business and data analysis where complex operations need to be performed efficiently.

Programs That Open .xlsm Files

Platform	Program
Windows	Microsoft Excel	Paid	Official
	LibreOffice Calc	Free
	OnlyOffice Spreadsheet Editor	Free
macOS	Microsoft Excel	Paid	Official
	LibreOffice Calc	Free
	Numbers	Free	Official

Common Problems with .xlsm Files

⚠️ Macros not running or disabled.

Ensure macro security settings in Excel are adjusted to allow macros to run, or check if the file is from an untrusted source.

⚠️ File corruption.

Try opening the file in a different version of Excel or using a file recovery tool. Ensure backups are maintained.

⚠️ Compatibility issues with older Excel versions.

Save the file as an older `.xls` format if macros are not essential for compatibility, or ensure the recipient has a compatible version of Excel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between an XLSX and an XLSM file?▼

The primary difference is that XLSM files support and contain macros (VBA code), while XLSX files do not. Both are part of the Open XML format, but XLSM is specifically for macro-enabled workbooks.

Can I open an XLSM file with a program other than Microsoft Excel?▼

Yes, some alternative spreadsheet programs like LibreOffice Calc and Google Sheets can often open XLSM files, but macro functionality may be limited or not fully supported.

Is it safe to open an XLSM file from an unknown source?▼

It is generally not recommended to open XLSM files from unknown or untrusted sources, as macros can contain malicious code that can harm your computer or steal data.

Technical Details

XLSM files are based on the Open XML standard and are essentially ZIP archives containing XML files that define the spreadsheet's structure, content, and macros. The header typically begins with the ZIP file signature '50 4B 03 04'.

Did You Know?

The 'M' in XLSM stands for 'Macro', indicating its ability to store VBA code.

XLSM is part of the Office Open XML (OOXML) standard introduced with Office 2007, replacing the older binary `.xls` format.

Because it's a ZIP archive, you can sometimes rename an XLSM file to .zip and extract its contents to view the underlying XML structure, though this is for advanced users only.

Security Information

XLSM files can contain macros, which may pose a security risk if the file comes from an untrusted source, as macros can execute malicious code.