CSM File

What are CSM files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a CSM file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your CSM files.

What is a CSM file?

CSM files have multiple uses, and CASL compiled PalmPilot program is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

CASL compiled PalmPilot program

These CSM files contain the applications created in CASL; a Windows Integrated Development Environment used to create applications for the PalmOS, a discontinued mobile operating system. You develop and test the applications on your desktop using CASLWIN and then transfer them to the targeted device.

How to open CSM files

Important: Different programs may use files with the CSM file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your CSM file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested six different CSM openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: September 19, 2026

All known file formats using extension .CSM

While CASL compiled PalmPilot program is a popular type of CSM-file, we know of 4 different uses of the .CSM file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Flexi Driver Configuration

We know that one CSM format is Flexi Driver Configuration. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Forte Agent Character Set Mapping

We know that one CSM format is Forte Agent Character Set Mapping. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Motion Capture File Format

Motion Capture File Format (CSM) is a text‐based format used by Autodesk Character Studio (part of 3ds Max) to store motion capture data in the form of positional markers rather than joint rotations. It captures the three‐dimensional locations of tracking markers affixed to an actor's body, frame by frame. These raw marker positions enable applications that read CSM files to compute limb and joint rotations later, for example when applying the motion to a skeletal biped.

Files of this format are created by motion capture systems or software exporting optical tracking data specifically for use in Character Studio. When importing, the marker names must match those expected by the Character Studio biped setup, and a consistent set of marker positions at defined body locations must be used. After loading a CSM file, Character Studio converts the marker positions into animation for its biped skeleton. Data is recorded at a fixed frame rate with one positional record per marker per frame.

The format begins with ASCII keywords that identify key parameters and sections. Typical header lines include $comments, $firstframe, $lastframe, $rate, $order, and $points. The $order line lists the marker names in the sequence used in the following numerical position data. Each point record contains three floating‐point values (X, Y, Z) per listed marker per frame. Marker names often include abbreviations like CLAV, STRN, LE LB HD etc., corresponding to clavicle, sternum, left elbow/hand/wrist, right elbow/hand/wrist and similar anatomical points.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of CSM files. Remember, different programs may use CSM files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about CSM file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.