WKS File – What is .wks file and how to open it?

Definition and Usage of WKS Files

WKS (Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet) is a file format used for storing spreadsheet data. It was initially developed by Lotus Development Corporation for their Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software, one of the pioneering spreadsheet applications. WKS files are primarily intended for storing tabular data organized into rows and columns, along with formulas and other spreadsheet-specific information.

WKS files follow a binary file format, which allows for efficient storage and retrieval of data. The structure of a WKS file consists of various sections, including a header, sheet data, and an optional formula section. The header section contains metadata about the file, such as the number of rows, columns, and windows in the spreadsheet. The sheet data section stores the actual cell data in a row-major format, where each row’s cells are stored consecutively. The formula section, if present, contains the formulas associated with cells in the spreadsheet. WKS files can also include additional information, such as formatting attributes, text, and graphics.

Programs that can open WKS files

WKS files are Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet files, a legacy file format created by IBM for their Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software. Lotus 1-2-3 was once the dominant spreadsheet program, but it has since been surpassed by Microsoft Excel. However, there are still a number of programs that can open WKS files, including:

• IBM Lotus Symphony (freeware)
• OpenOffice Calc (freeware)
• LibreOffice Calc (freeware)
• Microsoft Excel (paid software)

To open a WKS file in one of these programs, simply launch the program and then click on the “File” menu. Select “Open” and then navigate to the location of the WKS file. Once you have selected the file, click on the “Open” button.

Converting WKS files to other formats

If you want to convert a WKS file to another format, such as XLS, CSV, or PDF, you can use one of the following free online converters:

• Zamzar
• FileZigZag
• ConvertFiles

To convert a WKS file using one of these converters, simply visit the website, click on the “Choose Files” button, and then select the WKS file that you want to convert. Next, select the format that you want to convert the file to, and then click on the “Convert” button. The converted file will be downloaded to your computer.

Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet File Format

The .WKS file extension is associated with Lotus 1-2-3, a groundbreaking spreadsheet application developed by IBM in the early 1980s. WKS files are binary spreadsheet files that store data in a tabular format, including cell values, formulas, and formatting attributes. They are comparable to modern spreadsheet file formats like XLS and ODS, but with a simpler structure and limited capabilities.

Legacy Format and Compatibility

WKS files have been widely used in the past, but their popularity has declined with the advent of more advanced spreadsheet software. Today, WKS files are primarily used for archival purposes or compatibility with legacy systems. Many modern spreadsheet applications can still open and read WKS files, but they may not support all the features and formatting options available in the original Lotus 1-2-3 software. To ensure full compatibility and access to all features, it is recommended to convert WKS files to a more current format like XLS or ODS.

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