What is an XLSM file?
An XLSM file is an Excel macro-enabled workbook file. It is similar to an XLSX file, but it can also contain macros, which are written in the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) language. Macros can be used to automate tasks in Excel, such as data formatting, calculations, and chart creation.
XLSM files are commonly used by businesses and organizations to streamline their workflows and save time. For example, an accountant might use an XLSM file to create a macro that automatically calculates the sales tax for a list of items. Or, a marketing manager might use an XLSM file to create a macro that generates a customized report on website traffic.
XLSM files can be opened and edited in Excel 2007 or newer. To open an XLSM file, simply double-click on the file or open it from within Excel. If you have macros disabled in Excel, you will be prompted to enable them before you can open the file.
Here are some examples of how XLSM files can be used:
- To create a custom dashboard that tracks key performance indicators (KPIs)
- To automate the process of generating reports
- To create interactive data visualizations
- To streamline the process of data entry
- To perform complex calculations
XLSM files are a powerful tool that can be used to save time and improve efficiency. However, it is important to note that macros can also be used to spread malware. Therefore, it is important to only open XLSM files from trusted sources.
How to open an XLSM file?
There are two ways to open an XLSM file:
- Double-click on the file.
- Open it from within Excel.
To open an XLSM file from within Excel, follow these steps:
- Open Excel.
- Click on the File tab.
- Click on Open.
- Browse to the location of the XLSM file and select it.
- Click on Open.
If you have macros disabled in Excel, you will be prompted to enable them before you can open the file. To enable macros, click on Enable Content.
How to create an XLSM file?
To create an XLSM file, follow these steps:
- Open Excel.
- Click on the File tab.
- Click on Save As.
- In the Save As dialog box, enter a name for your file and select the XLSM Workbook file format.
- Click on Save.
How to enable, disable macros in an XLSM file?
To enable macros in an XLSM file, follow these steps:
- Open the XLSM file.
- Click on the Developer tab.
- In the Macro section, click on Macros.
- In the Macros dialog box, select the macro that you want to enable and click on Run.
To disable macros in an XLSM file, follow these steps:
- Open the XLSM file.
- Click on the File tab.
- Click on Options.
- In the Excel Options dialog box, click on Trust Center.
- Click on Trust Center Settings.
- Click on Macro Settings.
- Select the macro security setting that you want to use.
- Click on OK.
How to convert an XLSM file to other formats (e.g., XLSX, CSV, PDF)?
To convert an XLSM file to another format, follow these steps:
- Open the XLSM file.
- Click on the File tab.
- Click on Save As.
- In the Save As dialog box, select the file format that you want to convert the file to.
- Click on Save.
How to troubleshoot problems with XLSM files?
If you are having problems opening or editing an XLSM file, there are a few things that you can try:
- Make sure that you have the latest version of Excel installed.
- Make sure that macros are enabled in Excel.
- Try opening the file in Safe Mode.
- Try repairing the file.
- Try converting the file to another format.
If you are still having problems, you can contact Microsoft Support for help.
Here are some additional troubleshooting tips:
- If you are getting a security warning when you try to open an XLSM file, make sure that the file is from a trusted source.
- If the file is corrupted, you may be able to repair it using the Open and Repair feature in Excel.
- If the file is too large, you may be able to split it into multiple files.
- If you are having problems with a specific macro, you can try disabling it or deleting it.