What Is an XTM File?

CmapTools uses XTM files as exported maps, but Xtremsplit is another program that uses this extension

By

Tim Fisher

Updated on December 5, 2022

File Types

What to Know

Some XTM files are exported maps that are used by CmapTools.
That same program can convert from XTM to other formats like PNG, PDF, SVG, etc.
If that's not the format your file is in, it's likely a part file that you can open with Xtremsplit.

This article explains what an XTM file is, how to open one, and how to convert one to a different file format.

What Is an XTM File?

A file with the XTM file extension is most likely a CmapTools exported map. These files use the XML format to store graphics and text for use in the IHMC CmapTools (concept map tools) software.

The Xtremsplit software uses XTM files, too, but they are unrelated to maps. Instead, they are used to split a large file into smaller pieces, and also to join said pieces back together, so that they're easier to send online.

How to Open an XTM File

If your XTM file is a map, it can be opened on Windows, macOS, and Linux with the IHMC CmapTools software. This software is used to express concepts in a graphical flowchart form.

The CmapTools Documentation & Support page is a great resource for learning how to use the program. There are forums, FAQs, help files, and videos.

Since XTM files are based on the XML file format, any program that opens XML files can also open XTM files. However, the purpose of the CmapTools software is to create a visual representation of the text, annotations, graphics, etc., that's easy to read and follow in sequence, so viewing the data in an XML or text file viewer like a text editor, isn't nearly as beneficial as using CmapTools.

Some XTM files are saved in a way that lets recipients view the map with any web browser so they don't need to have CmapTools installed. When this is done, the file is saved in an archive format like ZIP or TAR. To open it, the recipient needs a file extractor tool like 7-Zip.

Xtremsplit data files are named something like file.001.xtm, file.002.xtm, and so on, to designate the different pieces of the archive. You can open them with Xtremsplit. It's possible that a file zip/unzip like 7-Zip, or the free PeaZip can be used to join these XTM files as well.

If Xtremsplit opens in a language you don't understand, use the Options button to change it, such as from Francais to Anglais.

How to Convert an XTM File

In CmapTools, go to File > Export Cmap As to convert from XTM to an image (like BMP, PNG, or JPG) or to PDF, PS, EPS, SVG, IVML, HTML, or CXL.

A file that has been split into XTM files definitely can't be converted to any other format until it has been rejoined using Xtremsplit. For example, an 800 MB MP4 video file is unable to be converted to any other video format until the pieces of it are joined back together into the original MP4 format.

As for converting the XTM files themselves, you simply can't do it. Remember, these are pieces of a larger whole that need to be joined for any practical use. The individual XTM files that make up a file (like the MP4) are of no use apart from the other pieces.

Still Can't Open the File?

If none of the above suggestions work to open your file, there's a good chance you're not really dealing with an XTM file. Some files use a file extension that looks an awful lot like XTM even though the formats have nothing to do with each other.

For example, XMI files share two of the same letters as the XTM file extension, but they could be Extended MIDI files that have nothing to do with the other formats mentioned on this page.

TMX is similar. That file extension belongs to the Translation Memory Exchange file format and requires a different program to open the file.

Of course, none of these formats are related to Microsoft Excel files either, like those that end with the XLTX, XLSX, and XLL file extensions.

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