
Binary files are compiled programs that run much faster than standard XML documents or uncompiled code.

Binary files are compiled and cannot be read by humans. These file formats are often used when the programmer doesn't want the user to see or edit the code.īinary formats are also macro enabled, but they are the least secure for the recipient. Binary files should never run on a computer unless the recipient trusts the sender and the file has been scanned for any malware. These files are also filtered by email systems, because they are used by malware creators. This file format is the common Excel template extension. When you want to create a workbook with standard formats and pre-entered data, you create a template. It's a starting point for your current Excel files.

These files don't contain macros, but you can use them to start other macro enabled files. The xltm file format is the alternative to the xltx format with macro support. If you want to create a workbook with a macro already enabled, coded and configured, then you use this file format. Remember that these are template files, so you don't save any changes to these files unless you want to change your macro files starting point.Īn xlam file is an Excel add-in. These files are used when you want to add some kind of functionality or additional tools to Excel. They have macro support, so you can create add-ins with macros using xlam files.įor the most part, you will work mainly with xlsm files with the occasional xlsb file when you need to compile and distribute your code without allowing others to edit it.

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We'll show you how to work with add-in files in future chapters.Ĭonfiguring Excel to Save to a Macro Enabled Format by DefaultĪs we mentioned, Excel automatically saves to the xlsx file format. This is an XML format that allows other third-party developers to import data and use the Excel workbook with their applications. It's also the default format for security reasons. Since we want to create files that allow macros, it's easier to configure Excel to save to the xlsm file format by default.įollow these steps to save Excel file formats in the xlsm file format by default.ġ.
