The DOTM file extension stands for Microsoft Word Macro-Enabled Template. It is a file format used by Microsoft Word, specifically versions 2007 and later, that allows users to create standardized document templates which include embedded VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) macros. Unlike the standard DOTX template format, DOTM files retain the ability to store executable code, making them powerful tools for automating repetitive tasks, creating custom user interfaces within Word, or enforcing specific document structures and formatting across an organization. Because these files contain executable code, they pose a security risk, and Microsoft Office applications typically prompt users before enabling macros when opening a DOTM file. They are based on the Office Open XML (OOXML) standard, meaning the file is essentially a zipped archive containing XML files, media, and the macro code itself.