macroenabled

Macroenabled is a term used to describe documents, templates, add-ins, or other files that contain or are capable of containing macros—small programs written to automate tasks. In the context of Microsoft Office, macroenabled formats preserve and run these automations, typically using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Common macroenabled Office file extensions include .docm for Word documents, .xlsm for Excel workbooks, and .pptm for PowerPoint presentations. Macro-enabled templates and add-ins use extensions such as .dotm and .xlam, among others, to provide reusable automation or features.

Macros automate a wide range of tasks, from simple formatting to complex data processing and custom workflows. They are stored in the file’s VBA project and can interact with document content, user forms, and application events. Users can record macros or write VBA code to implement specific actions, speeding up repetitive processes and enabling customized functionality beyond standard menus.

Security is a primary consideration with macroenabled files. Macros can execute code that harms a system or data, so many applications disable macros by default or restrict their execution to trusted sources. Security measures include warning prompts, macro security levels, digital signatures, and trusted locations. In enterprise environments, administrators may enforce macro policies via group policy to manage risk and ensure compliance.

Compatibility and editing vary by platform and application. Macro-enabled formats preserve macros when shared with compatible Office programs; non-macro formats strip or ignore the macro content. Editing and creating macros typically occur in the built-in development environment (such as the Visual Basic Editor), with attention paid to security settings and cross-version or cross-platform limitations.