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Basic information about ESM file

When there is a problem with opening files with the file extension ESM（*.ESM or *.esm）, you do not need a computer expert. In most cases, using the helpful suggestions of experts contained in our website as well as appropriate programs, you can solve the problem with the ESM file yourself.

There are 2 file types using the ESM file extension in our database. In the further part of this page, you will find detail information about all the ESM file with their brief description and a list of programs that support ESM file sorted by operating systems. The table below provides useful information about the ESM file extension. It answers questions such as:
  • What is the ESM file?
  • How to open a ESM file?
  • What programs do I need to open a ESM file?
  • What programs help to create and edit a ESM file?
  • How to convert ESM files to another file format?
  • How to convert another files to ESM file format?


1.Detail information about ESM file extension: Elder Scrolls Master File

File type Elder Scrolls Master File Category Game Files
Developer Bethesda Softworks File format Binary
Description ESM file is a Elder Scrolls Master File developed by Bethesda Softworks. Game data file used by The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim single-player role-playing games; contains various kinds of data, including 3D meshes, textures, video, music, sound, and game menu data.
Software programs that will open, edit or convert ESM files

Windows		 Bethesda Softworks The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Bethesda Softworks The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
Bethesda Softworks Creation Kit
The Elder Scrolls Construction Set
Fallout 3
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion


2.Detail information about ESM file extension: Fallout 3 Master File

File type Fallout 3 Master File Category Game Files
Developer Bethesda Softworks File format Binary
Description ESM file is a Fallout 3 Master File developed by Bethesda Softworks.
Software programs that will open, edit or convert ESM files

Windows		 Bethesda Softworks Fallout 3
Bethesda Softworks GECK



Can't open a ESM file?

When you click a file to open it, operating system examines the filename extension. If operating system recognizes the filename extension, it opens the file in the program that is associated with that filename extension. When operating system does not recognize a filename extension, you receive the following message:

”Can't open this file: example.ESM”。

To open this file, you install one of the applications from the list of software programs that you found here, you should be able to open, edit or convert the file with the ESM extension without any issue.


Where I can download the application that support ESM file?

If you do not know where you can download the application from our list, click on the link (which is the name of the program), you will find more information there on the location where to download the required application. Most often they are the websites of software manufacturers.


How to change file associations?

  • Right-click a file with the extension whose association you want to change, and then click "Open With".
  • In the "Open With" dialog box, click the program whith which you want the file to open, or click "Browse" to locate the program that you want.
  • Select the ”Always use the selected program to open this kind of file” check box.


Can I change the extension of ESM files?

Changing the filename extension of a file is not a good idea. When you change a file's extension, you change the way programs on your computer read/open the file. The problem is, changing the file extension does not change the file format. Select a software program from our list and install it on your computer. If the file has not opened correctly, you have to look for a different software program from our list. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.


What else may cause problems width open a ESM file?

The reasons for the lack of the ability to open a ESM file on your computer may be at least several. The easiest thing is to find a suitable application installed on your computer, which will open a ESM file. If there is still something wrong, you might want to check:

  • Whether the ESM file is damaged.
  • Whether the ESM file is incorrectly linked in the registry entries.
  • Whether the ESM file extension has been accidentally removed from the Windows registry.
  • Whether the installation of an application that supports the ESM file format is incompletely.
  • Whether the ESM file is infected.
  • Whether the drivers of the equipment used for opening a ESM file are up to date.
  • Whether your computer has enough hardware resources to open a ESM file.

If the ESM file still not working with your software after eliminating the above shortcomings? That means that the problem is more complex and requires the help of a specialist.