File Extension Database

Open VM File

The file extension .vm is flexible and multifunctional, and it fulfills a multitude of purposes across varied domains. This extension can primarily denote three types of files - VMware Virtual Machine configuration files, Velocity Template files and Covox 8-bit audio files. This article elucidates the characteristics, functionalities, and ways to open and use these unique .vm files.

VMware Virtual Machine Configuration Files

In the context of virtualization technology, .vm files are associated with VMware's virtual machine configuration. They contain configuration settings that control the working of a virtual machine created in the VMware environment. These files are essential to the virtual machine's sustainability, containing data such as allocated hardware resources, boot order, and other preferences. Tools such as VMware's workstation or Fusion can easily open this type of .vm file. Note that to load a virtual machine, you often need other associated files, such as .vmdk (disk files) or .vmx (primary configuration files).

Velocity Template Language Files

The .vm extension also leads a life in software engineering, particularly revolving around the open-source project Apache Velocity. Here, .vm denotes a template written in the Velocity Template Language (VTL). VTL is a powerful scripting language that bridges the gap between the front end and back end, facilitating the dynamic insertion of content into static templates. The Apache Velocity Engine or any text editor such as Notepad++ can readily open this type of .vm file. More information about VTL and its implementation can be found at the official Apache Velocity website.

Covox 8-bit Audio Files

In the past, the .vm extension was also linked to Covox, a sound card for PCs that was popular during the late 80s and 90s before the advent of Sound Blaster. Covox emitted 8-bit audio, and the files storing this sound data also used the .vm extension. Nowadays, it is infrequent to encounter such a .vm file, but if you do, you can use a vintage computing emulator like DOSBox or a media player like VLC to open it.

VM File Important Information

When dealing with .vm files, it's essential to understand the context in which they are being used, as this will determine the software required to open and use them accurately. It's crucial not to rename or delete .vm files associated with VMware, as it might disrupt the operation of a VMware product. In other contexts, as in Velocity templates, .vm files can be modified using any text editor, but a solid understanding of VTL is needed to make meaningful changes.

How Can I Open VM File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open VM file is to find a VM file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a VM file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open VM file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as VM file opener then try to search online for "VM viewer", "application to open VM file" or "open VM file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open VM file

How Can I Open VM File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a VM file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a VM file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with VM file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as VM file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open VM file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open VM file then try to search for "VM viewer", "application to open VM file" or "read VM file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read VM file

How Can I Open VM File on Android

If you downloaded a VM file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded VM file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "VM".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "VM viewer", "VM file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open VM File on iPhone or iPad

To open VM File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the VM file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "VM". This way you can find apps which can open VM files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "VM viewer" or "VM file" online in your favorite search engine.

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