Word Macro-Enabled Document
DocumentsDOCM stores Word content and can also contain VBA macros. It resembles DOCX but may include executable code. Reading the document need not require running its macros; establish the sender and inspect the content first.
- Main use
- Store document text with VBA macros
- Data type
- Executable / script
All sections, questions and sources
Content reviewed： · Editor：Kai
Separate reading, editing and running macros
| Situation / goal | Next action | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Read the report | Open the document in Word and inspect its text and tables without treating macros as a reading requirement. | If the required content is visible, enabling macros is unnecessary. |
| Only automation fails | Check VBA, add-ins and the intended environment with the author instead of assuming document corruption. | Establish the expected operation and organizational trust requirements. |
| Deliver without macros | Save/export a separate DOCX or PDF from Word. | Compare calculated values, tables and page count with the source. |
Source for these steps：Microsoft · Macros from the internet are blocked by default in Office / Microsoft · File format reference for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Opening steps
Choose your environment or purpose to see its steps.
Menu labels and support vary by app, OS and version. Preserve the original before making changes.
Troubleshooting by symptom
- Macros blocked: check internet-file restrictions and organizational policy.
- Macros lost after DOCX saving: return to the DOCM original and establish whether code is needed.
- Layout differs: compare fonts, Word versions and print settings.
- A button fails: ask about missing referenced libraries or add-ins.
DOCM → DOCX / PDF
- Use DOCX for macro-free editing or PDF for viewing, saving/exporting a separate file from Word.
- After export, check pages, tables, links and any values or displays that depended on macros.
DOCX cannot retain VBA macros; PDF does not retain Word editing structures or execution behavior.
Separate reading from code execution
Macros may automate tasks such as reporting or mail merge. A readable document does not establish that its code is trustworthy; dismissing the warning is not the first opening step.
Source for these steps：Microsoft · File format reference for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint / Microsoft · Macros from the internet are blocked by default in Office / Microsoft · Structure of a WordprocessingML document
Worked example: checks before handoff
Example: for a report you only need to read, inspect the text or request a PDF. If its automated calculation is required, ask the responsible author about the operation and environment.
Source for these steps：Microsoft · File format reference for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint / Microsoft · Macros from the internet are blocked by default in Office / Microsoft · Structure of a WordprocessingML document
Related-format differences
| Format / method | Purpose and preserved information |
|---|---|
| .docm | Store document text with VBA macros |
| DOCX | An editable document format without VBA macro storage. |
| DOCM → DOCX / PDF | DOCX cannot retain VBA macros; PDF does not retain Word editing structures or execution behavior. |
Handling and security
Do not run macros from unknown senders. Consult policy and the author before relaxing global Trust Center settings.
Questions and answers
Does every DOCM contain macros?
It is a macro-capable format, not proof that code is present.
Is Word for the web equivalent?
Do not expect desktop VBA workflows to run equivalently; confirm the required operations.
Can I read it with macros disabled?
Ordinary text may be readable while generated content differs; ask the author for a static viewing copy if needed.
Format facts: name, steward and MIME type
- Formal name
- Word Macro-Enabled Document
- Steward / specification
- Microsoft
- MIME type
- Consult the producer or delivery system. The extension alone does not establish a MIME type.
Primary and official sources
- Software documentationFile format reference for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Office format purposes and macro support.
Microsoft · Link checked： - Software documentationMacros from the internet are blocked by default in Office
Macro blocking and organizational trust management.
Microsoft · Link checked： - Software documentationStructure of a WordprocessingML document
Word document packaging and XML structure.
Microsoft · Link checked：