.123 File Extension
Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet
| Developer | IBM |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Spreadsheet Files |
| Format | .123 |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an 123 file?
The .123 file extension is primarily associated with Lotus 1-2-3, a spreadsheet program developed by Lotus Development Corporation, which was later acquired by IBM.
Lotus 1-2-3 was released in 1983, and its .123 file format became a standard for storing spreadsheet data and formulas.
More Information.
Lotus 1-2-3 was designed to streamline tasks that were previously cumbersome and time-consuming, such as financial modeling, budgeting, and data analysis.
The software combined spreadsheet functionality with charting tools and a built-in macro language, empowering users to manipulate and visualize data with ease.
The .123 file extension became synonymous with Lotus 1-2-3 files, serving as the default format for saving spreadsheets created with the software.
These files typically contained tables of data organized into rows and columns, along with formulas, charts, and other elements.
Origin Of This File.
The .123 file extension owes its existence to Lotus Development Corporation, a software company founded in 1982. Lotus 1-2-3 was released in 1983 as a spreadsheet program for the IBM PC.
It quickly gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface and powerful capabilities, becoming one of the defining applications of the 1980s computing era.
File Structure Technical Specification.
The structure of .123 files is relatively straightforward, consisting of a binary format optimized for efficient storage and manipulation of spreadsheet data.
Each file contains metadata, such as author information and creation date, followed by the actual spreadsheet contents.
The data within .123 files is organized into cells, each identified by a unique row and column combination. Cell values can include numbers, text, dates, and formulas, allowing for complex calculations and data manipulation.
Additionally, .123 files may contain formatting information, such as font styles, colors, and cell borders, to enhance readability and presentation.
How to Convert the File?
Converting .123 files to more modern formats like .xlsx or .csv is often necessary to ensure continued access to the underlying data. Several methods can be employed for file conversion:
- Using Third-Party Software: Some third-party software applications specialize in converting legacy file formats like .123 to more modern equivalents. These tools typically offer batch conversion capabilities and support for various output formats.
- Manual Conversion: In cases where automated conversion tools are unavailable or impractical, manual conversion can be performed by opening the .123 file in a compatible spreadsheet application like Microsoft Excel and saving it in the desired format.
- Online Conversion Services: There are online services available that offer file conversion capabilities, allowing users to upload .123 files and download them in a different format. However, caution should be exercised when using online services to ensure data privacy and security.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Historical Significance: The .123 file format holds historical significance as one of the pioneering spreadsheet formats in the era of personal computing.
- Compatibility: Despite being a legacy format, .123 files can still be opened and converted by certain software applications, ensuring backward compatibility for archival purposes.
- Data Integrity: The binary nature of the .123 file format helps preserve data integrity and prevents unauthorized tampering.
Disadvantages:
- Obsolete Technology: Lotus 1-2-3 and the .123 file format are considered obsolete by modern standards, with most users transitioning to more advanced spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
- Limited Support: As support for Lotus 1-2-3 waned over the years, finding compatible software to open and edit .123 files became increasingly difficult.
- Lack of Documentation: The lack of comprehensive documentation for the .123 file format makes it challenging for developers to create tools and utilities for working with these files.
How to Open 123?
Open In Windows
- Users can attempt to open .123 files in Microsoft Excel, which supports a wide range of spreadsheet formats. Alternatively, third-party software or online conversion tools may provide a solution.
Open In Linux
- Open-source spreadsheet programs such as LibreOffice Calc and Gnumeric may provide compatibility with .123 files on Linux systems. Users can also explore command-line tools or scripts for batch conversion purposes.
Open In MAC
- Mac users can utilize spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel for Mac or LibreOffice Calc to open .123 files. As with Windows, third-party software or conversion services may offer additional options.
