Extension NavigatorFILE EXTENSION LIBRARY
日本語
Home›Spreadsheets›.xltm
THE FILE FIELD GUIDE
.xltm

Excel Macro-Enabled Template

Spreadsheets

XLTM is an Excel template capable of storing VBA macros, often used for repeatable forms or reports. Distinguish updating the master from filling a new workbook, and check external references and macro trust.

Main use
Start new workbooks from formulas, formatting and VBA
Data type
Executable / script
All sections, questions and sources

Content reviewed： · Editor：Kai

Opening steps

Choose your environment or purpose to see its steps.

Microsoft Excel desktop

Preserve the original and inspect a working copy in a compatible application.

  1. Create a new workbook from the template and give the working file its own name.
  2. Inspect formulas, fields and sheets; defer macros until their purpose is established.
  3. If automation is required, save a copy in a format such as XLSM that retains it.
Inspect the received file and its requirements

Establish dependencies and settings before proceeding.

  1. Manage the XLTM master separately from completed workbooks.
  2. Check external links, data connections, add-ins and Excel version.
  3. Confirm the macro author and organizational policy.

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

Troubleshooting by symptom

  • Master changes each time: use the new-workbook workflow instead of editing the template.
  • Automation disappears in XLSX: it cannot store VBA.
  • Totals stale: check recalculation and connection refresh separately.
  • Macros fail: inspect referenced libraries and security policy.

XLTM → XLSM / XLSX / PDF

  1. Create a workbook and choose XLSM with macros, XLSX without macros or PDF for report distribution.
  2. Check totals, reporting period, print area, hidden sheets and external-connection details.

XLSX does not retain VBA; PDF does not retain formulas or recalculation.

Check initial and distributed values

Check the master for prior-period values or personal information. Distinguish input cells from calculation cells to avoid overwriting formulas.

Source for these steps：Microsoft · File format reference for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint / Microsoft · Macros from the internet are blocked by default in Office

Worked example: checks before handoff

Example: for a monthly report, change the period in a fresh workbook, verify data sources and totals, then export PDF.

Source for these steps：Microsoft · File format reference for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint / Microsoft · Macros from the internet are blocked by default in Office

Related-format differences

Related-format differences
Format / methodPurpose and preserved information
.xltmStart new workbooks from formulas, formatting and VBA
XLTX / XLSMXLTX is a macro-free template; XLSM is a working macro-capable workbook.
XLTM → XLSM / XLSX / PDFXLSX does not retain VBA; PDF does not retain formulas or recalculation.

Handling and security

Do not enable unknown macros or connections. Review connection destinations, confidential data and hidden sheets before delivery.

Questions and answers

How does XLTX differ?

XLTX is a template without VBA storage; choose based on automation needs.

Will web Excel run the macros?

Do not assume desktop VBA workflows run in web Excel.

Are stale totals a sign of corruption?

Recalculation or data refresh may be incomplete; inspect inputs, formulas and sources separately.

Format facts: name, steward and MIME type
Formal name
Excel Macro-Enabled Template
Steward / specification
Microsoft
MIME type
Consult the producer or delivery system. The extension alone does not establish a MIME type.

Primary and official sources