.12M File Extension
Lotus 1-2-3 SmartMaster File
| Developer | IBM |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Spreadsheet Files |
| Format | .12M |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an 12M file?
The .12M file extension is associated with Lotus 1-2-3, a popular spreadsheet program from the 1980s and 1990s. Specifically, .12M files are SmartMaster files used within Lotus 1-2-3 for creating and managing templates.
More Information.
The Lotus 1-2-3 software, including its SmartMaster functionality, was first released in the early 1980s. The SmartMaster feature allowed users to create template files (.12M) that could be reused for various types of financial and business documents. This was especially useful for users who frequently needed to generate similar reports or calculations, streamlining their workflow.
Origin Of This File.
The .12M file format originated from Lotus Development Corporation, which was known for its Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software. Lotus 1-2-3 was a significant player in the spreadsheet market before the rise of Microsoft Excel. The SmartMaster files were used to standardize and simplify repetitive tasks by providing pre-defined templates.
File Structure Technical Specification.
- File Format: Binary
- File Structure: .12M files typically contain structured data specific to the Lotus 1-2-3 application, including formatting, formulas, and predefined layout elements.
- Technical Specifications: The file structure is proprietary to Lotus 1-2-3 and may not be easily readable or editable outside of its native application.
How to Convert the File?
Windows
- Using Lotus 1-2-3:
- Install Lotus 1-2-3: If you have an old version of Lotus 1-2-3, install it on your Windows machine.
- Open the .12M File: Launch Lotus 1-2-3 and open the .12M file.
- Save As: Use the “Save As” function to save the file in a more modern format like
.xls(Excel) or.csv.
- Conversion Software:
- File Viewer Plus: This utility supports a variety of old file formats and might help you convert
.12Mfiles to.xlsor other formats. - Online Conversion Tools: Websites like Zamzar or Online-Convert may offer file conversion services for legacy formats.
- File Viewer Plus: This utility supports a variety of old file formats and might help you convert
Linux
- Using DOSBox:
- Install DOSBox: Use the package manager to install DOSBox, a DOS emulator.
- Install Lotus 1-2-3: Set up an old version of Lotus 1-2-3 within DOSBox.
- Open and Convert: Open the
.12Mfile and save it in a modern format.
- Online Conversion:
- Conversion Services: Use web-based conversion tools to upload and convert the
.12Mfile to.xlsor other formats. Ensure that the service supports.12Mfiles.
- Conversion Services: Use web-based conversion tools to upload and convert the
macOS
- Using Virtual Machines:
- Set Up a Virtual Machine: Install a virtual machine (VM) application such as Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion.
- Install Windows: Run a Windows operating system on the VM.
- Install Lotus 1-2-3: Within the VM, install Lotus 1-2-3 and open the
.12Mfile. - Convert the File: Save or export the file in a format like
.xls.
- Conversion Tools:
- Online Conversion Services: Use online tools or services to convert
.12Mfiles to a more accessible format.
- Online Conversion Services: Use online tools or services to convert
Android
- Cloud-Based Conversion:
- Upload to Conversion Services: Use cloud storage services to upload your
.12Mfile and then use online conversion tools to convert the file to a more modern format. - Examples: Websites like Zamzar or Convertio might support converting
.12Mfiles.
- Upload to Conversion Services: Use cloud storage services to upload your
- Third-Party Apps:
- File Viewer Apps: Some apps may provide limited functionality for viewing and converting legacy file formats, but this is less common for
.12Mfiles.
- File Viewer Apps: Some apps may provide limited functionality for viewing and converting legacy file formats, but this is less common for
iOS
- Cloud-Based Conversion:
- Use Web Browsers: Access online conversion tools through Safari or other browsers to upload and convert
.12Mfiles. - Conversion Tools: Websites such as Zamzar or Online-Convert can handle legacy formats.
- Use Web Browsers: Access online conversion tools through Safari or other browsers to upload and convert
- Apps:
- Limited Support: There are currently no dedicated apps for
.12Mfiles on iOS, so using cloud-based services is the best option.
- Limited Support: There are currently no dedicated apps for
Others
- Online Conversion Services:
- Web-Based Tools: Utilize online services that offer file conversion. Upload the
.12Mfile and select the desired output format. - Examples: Zamzar, Convertio, and similar services may provide support for converting
.12Mfiles.
- Web-Based Tools: Utilize online services that offer file conversion. Upload the
- Professional Data Conversion:
- Data Conversion Services: For specialized or large-scale conversions, consider hiring professional data conversion services that can handle legacy formats and provide the output in modern file types.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
- Advantages:
- Efficiency: Templates can significantly speed up the creation of repetitive documents.
- Consistency: Ensures standardization in reporting and document formats.
- Disadvantages:
- Compatibility: Limited support and compatibility with modern spreadsheet applications.
- Obsolescence: Lotus 1-2-3 and its file formats are largely obsolete, making file management and conversion more challenging.
How to Open 12M?
Open In Windows
- Lotus 1-2-3: The native application for opening
.12Mfiles. - Conversion Tools: Use software like File Viewer Plus or dedicated conversion utilities if you don’t have Lotus 1-2-3.
Open In Linux
- Using Emulators: Install and use DOSBox to run old versions of Lotus 1-2-3.
- Conversion: Convert the file using online conversion tools if available.
Open In MAC
- Virtual Machines: Run a Windows virtual machine with Lotus 1-2-3 installed.
- Conversion Tools: Check for compatible conversion tools or services that may support
.12Mfile formats.
Open In Android
- Apps: There are no direct apps for
.12Mfiles, but you can use cloud services to convert or view files in a compatible format. - Conversion: Use cloud-based conversion tools through a browser.
Open In IOS
- Apps: Similar to Android, iOS does not natively support
.12Mfiles. Use cloud services or conversion tools through a web browser. - Conversion: Employ online conversion services.
Open in Others
- Online Conversion Services: Utilize online tools that can handle old file formats and convert them to more modern types.
- Professional Services: Seek professional data conversion services for legacy formats if needed.
