Open DOCM files

Full name

Microsoft Word 2007/2010 Open XML Macro-enabled Document Format
Developer

Microsoft
Popularity

Have you encountered a problem with a DOCM file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a DOCM file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your DOCM file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is DOCM file?

Files with the extension DOCM are document files of Microsoft Word as of version 2007. They correspond to the files with the extension docx, but can also contain macros or VBA scripts. This means they do not have to contain macros, unlike docx files.

More info

The extension DOCM means Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document. Word Open XML stands for the general format of Microsoft Word 2007.
In addition to texts and formatting instructions, a DOCM file also contains images, graphics and macros. The included macros or scripts may contain malicious code, so you should do a virus check before running it and always install the latest security updates for Microsoft Office.
Docm is an XML based file format (Office Open XML), which is not directly readable with older Word versions. For the 2000, 2003, and XP Office versions, however, this functionality can be pared using the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack, with the result of reading a DOCM file not always 100% the same as the original.
A DOCM file consists of several XML files, which are automatically combined with the ZIP algorithm as an archive when they are saved. This saves space compared to the old doc format. Other benefits include better data integrity and easier data recovery in case of data loss.
The file extension can be easily changed in case of problems in docx, but a correct execution of the scripts and macros can be subject to restrictions.

Programs which can open a DOCM file

Windows

Linux

OpenOffice.org

Mac OS

How to open file with DOCM extension?

In order to open a file with DOCM extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening DOCM file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with DOCM files, follow the instructions below.

Install Microsoft Word or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening DOCM files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support DOCM files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of DOCM files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set Microsoft Word as the default program for opening DOCM files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate DOCM files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the Microsoft Word applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Microsoft Word has been installed.

Check the section that lists most common problems with DOCM files

Sometimes problems with opening DOCM files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

File data is corrupted
DOCM files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open DOCM files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
DOCM file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)