What is a DM file?

This article explains the different formats that use the DM file extension, as well as the specific programs you need to open each one.

What is a DM file?

A file with the DM file extension is most likely a DRM Delivery Message file. But it can be any type of file, usually an audio file used as a ringtone or media clip on a mobile phone. They are also sometimes downloaded to a computer.

Since these files are protected by DRM (Digital Rights Management) copyright protection software, mobile phones must be licensed to use them.

DRM Delivery Message files can be downloaded through the installation service and have an additional file extension before them, such as file.sis.dm or file.sisx.dm.

Other DM files could instead be Paradox Data Model files used by Corel Paradox database software (now WordPerfect Office), encrypted files from LG phones, or BYOND Dream Maker code files.

Note : DM also stands for several other terms like Direct Message (in the context of online chat), Device Manager, digital media, document management, download manager, distributed storage, data model and many more.

How to open DM file

Sony Ericsson's DRM Packager can open and create a DM file which is a DRM Delivery Message file. The SISContents program can also open a file.

A copyright-protected DM file cannot be opened even if you transfer the file to another phone. If the device uses hardware-based encryption, the file will only work on that specific device.

Paradox Data Model files open with Paradox, which was acquired by Corel in the 1990s. Corel Paradox 8 was the first Corel program to include Paradox, but they later released the software with the professional versions of WordPerfect Office software. WordPerfect Office X4 Hot Fix 1 and X5 Hot Fix 1 are the latest versions to include Paradox.

The encrypted DM files used by LG phones are supposed to be opened using the same device's Gallery app. Enter your PIN to bypass the encryption, or use your fingerprint if the feature is enabled.

The BYOND game creation platform opens DM files in that format.

Tip : If you are unsure which program to use, or the above programs do not work, open the file as if it were a text file, using a free text editor. You can usually find some kind of text in the file, usually in the header (first section), to point you in the direction of the software that was used to create the file, this is useful for determining which software can open the file.

How to convert DM files

Audio files in DM format cannot be converted to other playable formats such as MP3 because they are protected by special copyright protection software. Only devices that are allowed to play the file can open it.

However, you can simply rename the DM file to MP3 and play it that way, but only if it's not a DRM file. If that works, you can run the MP3 through an audio converter if you need the file in a different file format.

Note : Normally, you can't just change the file extension to something else and expect it to work in the new format. However, if your DM file is really just a renamed audio file, this should work fine. For other file types where this doesn't work, a free file converter is a viable solution.

After decoding the media file from your LG phone, you can convert it to another format using a file converter.

If the Paradox Data Model file can be saved in any other format, then you will likely be able to do so using the Paradox software mentioned above. However, as mentioned earlier, you will need WordPerfect Office software.

Kareem Winters

Update 12 January 2025