What is the WLMP file format?
A .wlmp file contains a video project saved in an XML-based text format, created with Windows Movie Maker (known as Windows Live Movie Maker from its 2009 launch until the Windows Essentials 2012 release). The project file doesn't contain any actual video data but only references to such data, and as such it doesn't change the source files. A project can consist of:
- References to source media:
- Video clips
- Images and photos
- Audio files
- Information about cuts and file merging
- Movie transition data and information about the length of given clips
- Effects and titles applied to the timeline
Movie projects created using Windows Movie Maker cannot be opened with other software tools, as the files contain no multimedia resources. A finished project should be exported and saved in a proper video format such as .WMV or .MP4 in order to play it, share it, or burn it to a disc.
Internally, a .wlmp file is a human-readable .XML document beginning with the standard <?xml declaration. Opening it in a text editor such as Notepad or Notepad++ reveals the full absolute paths to source video, photo, and audio files, along with the complete timeline, trim points, transitions, and effects. Moving or renaming source files will break the project's media references.
The original Windows Movie Maker was developed in 2000 as part of the Windows Millennium Edition package, using the older .MSWMM project format. The newer Live variant that introduced .wlmp was distributed from 2009 as part of Windows Live Essentials, a package containing basic Windows tools and programs. Since 2018, Windows Movie Maker has no longer been offered by Microsoft. Creating and editing videos is now possible using Clipchamp, built into Windows 11, or via the Photos app on Windows 10, which included a video-editing feature called Story Remix.
Security & safety
RISK: MEDIUMThe .wlmp file itself is harmless plain-text XML. The real risk is the software hunt: after Movie Maker's January 2017 EOL, countless fake 'Windows Movie Maker' download sites appeared bundling adware, PUPs and even malware (some impersonated Microsoft and charged for the formerly-free app). If you must reinstall Movie Maker to reopen a .wlmp, get it only from a copy you trust, not from a search-ad 'free download' portal. Also note the .wlmp exposes full local file paths if shared.
Format details
in a nutshellPrograms that open WLMP files
Windows2 apps
Windows Live Movie Maker
Free The only program that opens .wlmp: File > Open Project, then 'Save movie' to export MP4/WMV. DISCONTINUED 10 Jan 2017 - official download removed; use a copy you already have. Avoid scam re-download sites. 
Text editor (Notepad++ / Notepad)
Open-source Open the .wlmp as text to SEE which source clips/photos/music it references (the file paths) - useful for locating media or understanding the project. Technical details
deep spec| File type | XML-based project file (plain text, no binary components) |
| Encoding | UTF-8 with standard XML declaration header |
| File signature | Hex `3C 3F 78 6D 6C` - the ASCII string `<?xml` at byte offset 0 |
| MIME type | `application/xml` |
| Media storage | No embedded media - stores absolute file-system paths to external source video clips, photos, and audio files |
| Platform | Windows only; requires Windows Live Essentials (2009-2012) or Windows Essentials 2012 |
| Compression | None - stored as uncompressed plain-text XML |
| Human-readable | Yes; full project content is visible and editable in any plain-text editor such as Notepad or Notepad++ |
| Project data encoded | Timeline clip order, trim in/out points, transition types, visual effects, text title overlays, and audio track settings |
| Export requirement | Must be rendered to a playable format (`.wmv`, `.mp4`, etc.) via the Save Movie function before sharing or playback |
| Path sensitivity | Source media paths are stored as absolute local paths; relocating or renaming source files breaks media links in the project |
| Predecessor format | `.mswmm` - used by the earlier Windows Movie Maker bundled with Windows XP and Vista |
| Software status | Discontinued - Windows Movie Maker no longer offered by Microsoft as of 2018; Clipchamp is the current Microsoft-recommended successor |
| Third-party compatibility | Not natively supported - `.wlmp` projects cannot be imported by non-Microsoft video editors |
| Associated programs | Windows Live Movie Maker, Windows Movie Maker (Windows Essentials 2012), and plain-text editors such as Notepad or Notepad++ |
| Released | 2009 (Windows Live Movie Maker, part of Windows Live Essentials) |
WLMP conversions
Community Q&A
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