DOTM File Extension
Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document Template
- File Type dotm
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Microsoft Word
- Category Document Files, Data Files
- Format Zip
What is a DOTM file?
The DOTM file extension is linked to Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document Template and belongs to the categories of Document Files and Data Files, which include 7165 files.
The Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document Template (DOTM) was developed by Microsoft, which created file format and 242 programs to work with them.
DOTM files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux, as well as mobile phones such as Apple iOS, Android and Windows Phone. To open a DOTM file, you can choose from 5 programs such as Microsoft Word, OpenOffice Writer and Microsoft 365.
MIME types
- application/vnd.ms-word.template.macroEnabled.12
Programs that support DOTM files
How to open a DOTM file?
If you cannot open a DOTM 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 365 stand out as the preferred programs to manage DOTM 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, DOTM files should be recognized by the system and linked to Microsoft Word.
Make Microsoft Word the default DOTM viewer
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired DOTM file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- In the lower section of the window, you’ll find the "Enable" menu, with "Recommended Programs" pre-selected as the default option;
- 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
- Start by right-clicking on your DOTM file, then select the "Open with" option and choose "Choose another app" from the menu that appears;
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose Microsoft Word as the application to associate with your DOTM file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Convert files to and from DOTM
If you have trouble working with a DOTM file, try converting it to PDF, XPS, DOC, DOCX, DOTX or similar document files.
Be aware that converting a DOTM 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 DOTM files to multiple formats, preserving quality.
Convert DOTM to other file formats
Finding answers to DOTM file problems
While DOTM 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 DOTM file is damaged?
DOTM document 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 DOTM 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 DOTM file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged DOTM file, and in the menu, click "Repair" to start the repair operation. Wait for the recovery process to finish, allowing automatic repair of damaged document files.
How to edit a DOTM file?
To make changes to DOTM files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the document files. Online DOTM editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document Template.
Best DOTM Editor Software in 2026
Taking the above factors into account, we have selected a list of DOTM editors currently available.
| DOTM Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenOffice Writer | OpenOffice | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.7 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| Microsoft Word | Microsoft | Windows, Mac OS, Apple iOS, Android | 4.4 out of 5 (39 reviews) |