12M File – What is .12m file and how to open it?

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12M File Extension

Lotus 1-2-3 SmartMaster File – file format by IBM

12M files store templates used to format Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet and database applications. They include page layout, fonts, margins, and other formatting options.

Definition and Purpose

A 12M file, also known as a Lotus 1-2-3 SmartMaster File, is a file type used with the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software developed by IBM. It serves as a template for creating and formatting spreadsheets, providing pre-defined elements such as layout, fonts, colors, and formulas. SmartMasters enable users to quickly create consistent and professionally looking spreadsheets without having to manually set up each element.

Key Features

12M files offer a range of features to enhance the flexibility and efficiency of spreadsheet creation. They allow users to:

  • Define page layouts: Specify margins, page orientation, and other page-level settings.
  • Format text and numbers: Set fonts, font sizes, colors, and text alignment.
  • Apply formulas and functions: Define automated calculations and automate repetitive tasks.
  • Create custom styles: Define commonly used formatting attributes for easy application across the spreadsheet.
  • Protect sensitive data: Password-protect cells or ranges to prevent unauthorized modifications.
  • Share and collaborate: Easily share and collaborate on spreadsheets with others using the .12M file format.

Software Compatibility

To open a 12M file, you will need software that supports the Lotus 1-2-3 SmartMaster File format. This format is primarily associated with IBM Lotus 1-2-3, a discontinued spreadsheet application. However, there are several other software programs that can open and edit 12M files, including:

  • IBM Symphony: A free office suite that includes a spreadsheet application capable of opening 12M files.
  • OpenOffice Calc: A free and open-source spreadsheet application that can import 12M files.
  • Gnumeric: A free and open-source spreadsheet application that can open 12M files.
  • File Viewer Plus: A commercial file viewer that can open over 300 different file formats, including 12M.

Conversion Options

If you do not have any software installed that can open 12M files, you can use a file conversion service to convert the file to a more accessible format. Several online services offer 12M file conversion, such as:

  • Zamzar: A popular online file conversion service that supports over 1,200 different file formats.
  • FileZigZag: Another online file conversion service that supports a wide range of file formats, including 12M.
  • Convert Files: A free online file conversion service that supports over 200 different file formats.

Once you have converted the 12M file to a more accessible format, you can open it using the corresponding software application for that format.

Lotus 1-2-3 SmartMaster File (.12M)

IBM developed the .12M file extension, which is associated with Lotus 1-2-3 SmartMaster files. Lotus 1-2-3 was a popular spreadsheet application in the 1980s and 1990s, and SmartMaster files were used to create and store templates for spreadsheets. These templates could include predefined formatting, formulas, and other settings that could be applied to new spreadsheets, saving time and ensuring consistency.

.12M files are binary files that store the data for a SmartMaster template in a proprietary format. They are not human-readable and can only be opened and edited by Lotus 1-2-3 or compatible software. When a .12M file is applied to a new spreadsheet, the formatting and settings defined in the template are imported into the spreadsheet, making it easy to create professional-looking spreadsheets quickly and easily.

Other Extensions