Word Hyphenation File
File type: Various data file
The HMHD file extension identifies a Word Hyphenation File used by Microsoft Word for Mac.
The file contains supporting hyphenation data that Word uses when determining where words may be divided at the ends of lines. It is not a Word document.
File type category:
Various data file
Date updated: September 28, 2026
Microsoft Word for Mac, Microsoft's word-processing software for Apple macOS and earlier Mac OS X systems, uses HMHD files to support hyphenation.
An HMHD file contains hyphenation information that helps Word determine permissible word breaks when text is hyphenated. It works as an auxiliary file for the application rather than as a file intended for direct editing.
HMHD files are supporting files for Microsoft Word for Mac and are not normally opened directly. On Apple macOS or Mac OS X, allow the installed version of Microsoft Word for Mac to use the file in its normal operating environment.
Opening an HMHD file as a document is not expected to display readable document content. The file should be left in the location where Word stores or accesses its supporting data.
HMHD files are auxiliary hyphenation files, so they do not have a meaningful conversion to DOCX, PDF, or another document format. Microsoft Word for Mac does not use them as a document export format.
If hyphenation is needed on another installation, configure the hyphenation options in Microsoft Word there rather than trying to convert the HMHD file.
Software applications that handle other tasks involving hmhd files:
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
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