DOCM File Extension

DOCM file icon

Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document

What is a DOCM file?

The DOCM file extension is linked to Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document and belongs to the categories of Data Files and Document Files, which include 7165 files.

The Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document (DOCM) was developed by Microsoft, which created file format and 242 programs to work with them.

DOCM files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux, as well as mobile phones such as Apple iOS and Android. To open a DOCM file, you can choose from 6 programs such as Microsoft Word, OpenOffice Writer and Microsoft Works.

MIME types

  • application/vnd.ms-word.document.macroEnabled.12

How to open a DOCM file?

If you cannot open a DOCM file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.

Microsoft Word, OpenOffice Writer and Microsoft Works stand out as the preferred programs to manage DOCM files effectively. To install the latest version of Microsoft Word on your computer, visit the Microsoft website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.

After completing the installation, DOCM files should be recognized by the system and linked to Microsoft Word.

Make Microsoft Word the default DOCM viewer

Change the default app to open files on Mac

  1. Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired DOCM file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
  2. Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
  3. In the lower section of the window, you’ll find the "Enable" menu, with "Recommended Programs" pre-selected as the default option;
  4. Select "All Programs" in this menu, and then search for Microsoft Word. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.

Set default programs for Windows

  1. Start by right-clicking on your DOCM file, then select the "Open with" option and choose "Choose another app" from the menu that appears;
  2. Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose Microsoft Word as the application to associate with your DOCM file;
  3. Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".

Convert files to and from DOCM

If you have trouble working with a DOCM file, try converting it to PDF, RTF, DOC, DOCX, DO or similar data files.

Be aware that converting a DOCM file may reduce some features, but you can usually revert it to the original format.

Applications such as Microsoft Word and OpenOffice Writer offer offline conversion of DOCM files to multiple formats, preserving quality.

Convert DOCM to other file formats

Finding answers to DOCM file problems

While DOCM files can sometimes present difficulties, most problems can be resolved quickly with minor software modifications. Check the tips below to help solve them.

What are the ways to check if my DOCM file is damaged?

DOCM data files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:

  • The file does not respond or shows errors when opening it;
  • The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in Microsoft Word;
  • The file stops responding or freezes in Microsoft Word or other programs;
  • Unexplained DOCM file size inflation;
  • Actions performed on the file result in the appearance of error notifications;

Why does Microsoft Word crash?

Insufficient updates for Microsoft products can cause Microsoft Word to crash. Be sure to regularly install the latest software updates.

A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.

How to repair a corrupted DOCM file?

Use a recovery program to open the damaged DOCM file, and in the menu, click "Repair" to start the repair operation. Wait for the recovery process to finish, allowing automatic repair of damaged data files.

How to edit a DOCM file?

To make changes to DOCM files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the data files. Online DOCM editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document.

Best DOCM Editor Software in 2026

Taking the above factors into account, we have selected a list of DOCM editors currently available.

DOCM Editor SoftwareDeveloperPlatformsOverall Rating
OpenOffice WriterOpenOfficeWindows, Mac OS, Linux4.7 out of 5 (37 reviews)
Microsoft WordMicrosoftWindows, Mac OS, Apple iOS, Android4.4 out of 5 (39 reviews)