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.xlsm

Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook

Spreadsheets

XLSM is an Excel workbook capable of containing VBA macros. The extension does not reveal whether macros exist or what they do. Viewing cells and executing macros are separate actions.

What it is used for
Excel workbooks capable of storing VBA macros
What the file contains
Binary data
All sections, questions and sources

Content reviewed： · Editor：Kai

First: choose for your purpose

XLSM stores macros such as VBA. Separate viewing, calculation and running code through buttons. Do not remove restrictions merely because code in an unverified file fails to run.

Opening steps

Choose your environment or purpose to see its steps.

Windows: inspect without running code

Separate readable sheets from execution-dependent features.

  1. Open a copy in Excel and inspect macro notices, origin and signatures.
  2. Inspect sheets, formulas and stored values; ask the author/admin about code-dependent operations.
  3. Save separately as XLSM, or create PDF/table copies for reading.
macOS: VBA support and dependencies

Windows-only features may not work on Mac.

  1. Open a copy in Excel for Mac and review macro-execution notices.
  2. Ask about ActiveX, Windows APIs and external add-ins.
  3. Coordinate required Windows use with your administrator; repeatedly enabling unsupported code does not fix compatibility.
Mobile / web: inspect without macros

Browsers cannot execute VBA macros.

  1. Open a copy in a supporting app and inspect readable sheets/stored values.
  2. Treat unavailable buttons/automation as capability limits and identify the required desktop environment.
  3. Check output format/macro retention and avoid replacing the master with a limited web copy.

Menu labels and support vary by app, OS and version. Preserve the original before making changes.

Troubleshooting by symptom

  • Blocked macros may reflect download origin or organizational policy, rather than file damage.
  • Buttons can rely on Windows APIs, ActiveX or particular VBA compatibility; ask about required environments.
  • Saving as XLSX can remove macros. Renaming back cannot restore them; recover the original or a backup.
  • Stale values: ask whether aggregation requires macros; visible stored values may be outdated.
  • Macros absent after renaming: code removed during XLSX saving needs an original/version history.
  • Only a managed device blocks execution: check internet-code rules/policy; success elsewhere does not authorize bypass.

XLSM → XLSX / CSV

  1. On a copy, choose Save As → XLSX and review the macro-loss warning.
  2. For CSV, choose the required sheet and verify encoding, leading zeros and dates.
  3. Verify output totals and inspect unwanted sheets/personal data.

XLSX cannot store VBA. CSV loses workbook sheets, formatting and macros; verify exported values.

Deciding whether macros are required

Ask what each button does, whether it uses network/files and which Office edition is required. Reading may not need macro execution.

Follow organizational policy even after confirming necessity and trust; do not weaken all protections for an unknown file.

Source for these steps：Microsoft · Macros from the internet are blocked by default in Office

Delivery to readers without macros

XLSX omits macros but does not certify other content/links as safe; check whether results depended on code.

Provide a verified PDF for reading or selected CSV data for exchange while retaining XLSM.

Source for these steps：Microsoft · File formats that are supported in Excel

Related-format differences

Related-format differences
Format / choicePurpose and preserved information
XLSMStores macros; execution depends on environment, trust and policy.
XLSXCannot store VBA macros; renaming cannot restore removed code.
PDF / CSVReading/data delivery, not reproduction of macro automation.

Handling and security

Do not run unknown macros or bypass organizational restrictions. Evaluate external data connections separately from cell viewing.

Questions and answers

Can I read it with macros disabled?

Ordinary cells are often readable, but macro-dependent displays or calculations may be limited.

Does exporting XLSX establish the original’s safety?

No; it creates a differently formatted copy, not a security assessment.

Should I immediately unblock it?

Confirm its source and need first; follow administrator policy and avoid weakening global macro settings.

Does a nonworking browser button mean corruption?

It may be a VBA execution limit; check the required desktop environment.

Are values viewed without macros current?

They can be stale if code updates them; confirm with the author.

Format facts: name, steward and MIME type
Formal name
Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook
Steward / specification
Microsoft
MIME type
application/vnd.ms-excel.sheet.macroEnabled.12

Primary and official sources