FM File Extension

What is FM file?

FM file extensions belong to the category of page layout files.

What do FM files contain?

FM file extension content includes resources used for creating BOOK files. These are generated by the FrameMaker software, which is used for preparing technical documentation, manuals, but also electronic books. In FM extension files, one can distinguish:

• information about the page structure,
• fragments of websites,
• formatted text blocks,
• raster and vector graphics,
• tables, charts, and diagrams.

What are FM files used for?

Files with the FM extension are used for creating more extensive documents stored in BOOK resources. A characteristic feature of this solution is the automatic updating of links in the BOOK documents that lead to resources stored in files with the FM extension. If a user changes their name or location, dedicated software will make the necessary modifications so that the target BOOK file contains the defined content from the FM file.

Programs which support FM file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support FM files. FM files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 03/14/2024

How to open file with FM extension?

Problems with accessing FM may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to FrameMaker Document files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install Adobe FrameMaker software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening FM files is that no program that can handle FM files is installed on user’s system. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download Adobe FrameMaker and install it on your device. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Adobe FrameMaker installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Adobe Systems Incorporated website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Adobe FrameMaker

If you already have Adobe FrameMaker installed on your systems and FM files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of Adobe FrameMaker installed, it may not support FM format. The latest version of Adobe FrameMaker should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate FrameMaker Document files with Adobe FrameMaker

After installing Adobe FrameMaker (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open FM files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the FM file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Adobe FrameMaker is installed, check the Always use this app to open FM files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with FM extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with FM extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the FM for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the FM file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The FM may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the FM is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the FM file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the FM file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with FM extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the FM file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with FM extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the FrameMaker Document file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Adobe FrameMaker

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support FM files. Close all running programs and try opening the FM file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with FrameMaker Document file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle FM files.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the FM file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on FM file.