What Is a DOCM File?

This article explains what a DOCM file is and how to open or convert one.

What Is a DOCM File?

A file with the DOCM file extension is a Microsoft Word macro-enabled document.

Introduced in Office 2007, they are like DOCX files in that they can also store formatted text, images, shapes, charts, etc., but they're different because they can execute macros to automate tasks in Word.

This format uses XML and ZIP to compress data down to a smaller size, similar to Microsoft's other XML formats like DOCX and XLSX.

How to Open a DOCM File

Microsoft Word (version 2007 and above) is the primary software program used to open and edit DOCM files. If you have an earlier version of Word, you can download the free Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack to open, edit, and save the file in your older version of Word.

To open DOCM files without Word, use Microsoft Office Online (it's free). Another option is Microsoft's free desktop Word viewer, which lets you view and print the file, but not make any changes. Another method that works online, is the free DOCM viewer at GroupDocs.

Here are some other free options: Google Docs, WPS Office Writer, OpenOffice Writer, and LibreOffice Writer. There are also other free word processors that work with this format.

How to Convert a DOCM File

The best way to convert a DOCM file is to open it in one of the editors listed above and then save to a different format like DOCX, DOC, or DOTM.

The viewer at GroupDocs, for example, makes it easy to create a PDF from the file. If you've opened the document in Google Docs, go to File > Download to pick from DOCX, ODT, RTF, PDF, TXT, and others.

You can also use a dedicated free file converter, like FileZigZag to convert the file online, or with Filestar if you prefer a desktop option.

Still Can't Open It?

If none of those programs are letting you open the file, the most likely reason is that you're misreading the file extension. It's common for files to use similar extensions, but that doesn't mean that the formats are at all related.

For example, DOCM looks a lot like DCO and DMO. However, those extensions belong to formats that aren't related to Word at all. Safetica Free Encrypted Virtual Disk Archive (DCO) and Cube 2: Sauerbraten Demo (DMO) files require completely different programs to be installed before you can use them. DICOM is another example.

Take a second look at the file extension at the end of the file you have, and then do some research online or here on Lifewire to see if you can dig up the program that's capable of opening, editing, or converting it.