WKI File – What is .wki file and how to open it?
WKI File Extension
Lotus 2 Worksheet – file format by IBM
WKI is a Lotus 2 Worksheet file extension developed by IBM. It is a spreadsheet file format used by the Lotus 2 spreadsheet program, which was released in the early 1980s. It is similar to the more popular WKS format, but it has some additional features, such as the ability to store multiple worksheets in a single file. WKI files can be opened by various spreadsheet programs, including Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel, and OpenOffice Calc.
WKI File Format
A WKI file is a spreadsheet file format developed by IBM for the Lotus 2 spreadsheet application. It stores data in a grid-like structure, consisting of rows and columns. Each cell in the grid can contain various types of data, including text, numbers, formulas, and graphs. The file format includes metadata, such as cell formatting, row and column headings, and worksheet settings. WKI files can be used for data analysis, financial calculations, and other spreadsheet-based tasks.
Compatibility and Usage
WKI files are primarily associated with Lotus 2, an early spreadsheet application released by IBM in the 1980s. However, due to the widespread adoption of Microsoft Excel, the WKI file format has become less common. Modern spreadsheet applications like Excel and Google Sheets can open and convert WKI files into their own file formats, enabling users to access and edit the data within them. This compatibility ensures that WKI files remain accessible despite the dominance of other spreadsheet software.
Opening WKI Files with IBM Lotus Software
WKI files are spreadsheet files created using IBM Lotus 1-2-3, a discontinued spreadsheet application. To open these files, users can download and install IBM Lotus Symphony, which offers compatibility with older Lotus formats, including WKI. Symphony is a free and open-source office suite that includes a spreadsheet application (Sheets) capable of reading and editing WKI files. Once Symphony is installed, users can open WKI files by navigating to the file in Sheets and clicking on the “Open” button.
Third-Party Applications for Opening WKI Files
Alternatively, users can utilize third-party software to access WKI files. These applications provide a variety of features for converting, editing, and viewing WKI content. One popular option is WKI Viewer, a free software that allows users to open and print WKI files without requiring IBM Lotus software. Other options include FileViewPro and Foxit PDF Reader, both of which offer support for WKI file viewing and conversion to various formats. By selecting the appropriate third-party application, users can gain access to and work with WKI files in a user-friendly environment.
Lotus 2 Worksheet (WKI)
The WKI file extension is associated with Lotus 2 Worksheet, a spreadsheet application developed by IBM in the 1980s. WKI files store spreadsheet data, including cells, formulas, and formatting. Lotus 2 was a popular spreadsheet program in the early days of personal computing, competing with Microsoft Excel and Borland Quattro Pro.
Compatibility and Usage
WKI files are not widely compatible with modern spreadsheet software. Microsoft Excel and other popular spreadsheet programs cannot natively open WKI files. However, there are third-party software tools that allow users to convert WKI files to more modern file formats, such as XLSX and CSV. This conversion process may involve some loss of formatting and functionality, depending on the tool used. Despite their limited compatibility, WKI files may still be encountered in legacy systems or when dealing with older spreadsheet data from the era of Lotus 2.