Tips to open SM file

Can't open the SM file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open SM files as well as a list of programs that support SM files.

SM file extension

File Name StepMania Song Format
File Developer StepMania
File Category Game Files

The SM file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the SM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the SM file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is SM file?

The file in the SM format belongs to the Game Files category. The creator of this file is StepMania. Game Files consists of 1509 similar files. StepMania Song Format appears on 3 operating systems as a functional file. The file will work on Linux, Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The StepMania application is recommended to open the file. It was released by StepMania. There are also 2 alternative programs to handle the SM file.

How to open SM file?

The most common problem when using StepMania Song Format is that a specific SM is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open SM, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the SM file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install StepMania

The first step is to check if the computer has the StepMania program installed. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name StepMania in it. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below you will find a list of applications that support SM files.

Programs to open SM file

Remember to download programs supporting SM files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of StepMania with SM files

If, despite the installed application, the SM file does not start in the StepMania application, you must create a file association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the SM file with the StepMania application.

Step 3. Update StepMania to the latest version

If, however, after binding StepMania with StepMania Song Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. In this case, use the StepMania website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the SM file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This suggests truncating the SM file contents when downloading or copying. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file SM or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected SM file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of SM file may not always be supported by the latest software version. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for the failure. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged SM files. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact StepMania
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file SM except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. If possible, you can try to move the SM file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the SM file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.