Working With Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheets In Excel

Are you struggling to work with Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets in Excel? Learn how to transform these documents into Excel-compatible files, so you can easily access and manage your data.

Lotus 1-2-3: Understanding its Differences from Excel

Have you heard of Lotus 1-2-3? It was a popular spreadsheet of the 80s and 90s. But how does it compare to Excel? We’ll look at the differences.

First, we’ll take a look at the basic functions and commands of Lotus 1-2-3. Next, for those wanting to explore further, we’ll give tips for working with the software. Newbies and pros alike, this section can help you out!

Image credits: manycoders.com by Harry Duncun

Understanding the Basic Functions and Commands of Lotus 1-2-3

Lotus 1-2-3 differed from Excel in that it had a command-line interface. This made it harder for beginners but, over time, commands allowed faster entry.

Lotus featured advanced integration formulas not found in other software. Its macros could manage events like notifications or print.

Cell protection within cells let users lock an area in normal mode, preventing accidental or intentional changes. This was great for sensitive data manipulation like report sheets with formulas.

In 1989, Windows started dominating LOTUS’ sales. Currently, Statista (2020) estimates its Market share at less than 0.1%, compared to MS Excel’s 57%.

To use Lotus 1-2-3 efficiently, understand the commands’ functions and features. In this section, we’ll offer tips based on our experience with the software.

Tips for Working with Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheets

When transitioning from Lotus to Excel, a few tips are key. Firstly, save a backup in XLS format – this way, you won’t harm the original file.

Then, check formulae and data copying across sheets twice. Excel’s cell addressing is different from Lotus – column letters come before row numbers. To spot any issues, use ‘Ctrl+`’ to show formulas instead of values.

Plus, Excel has a range of features through Ribbon or Quick Access Toolbar, not found in Lotus.

Did you know that Lotus 1-2-3’s developers used Visicalc as a template? It was before Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets made their mark.

Finally, we’ll explain how to ‘Open and Save Lotus 1-2-3 Files in Excel’, ensuring filename compatibility.

Opening and Saving Lotus 1-2-3 Files in Excel

Are you ready to learn how to incorporate your Lotus 1-2-3 files with Excel? Here I’m helping you with the basics. Many still use Lotus for spreadsheets, but it can be tricky without support. Excel has solutions that let you open and save Lotus files, giving you comfort and compatibility.

We’ll cover two main topics: converting Lotus files to Excel and saving Lotus files in Excel.

Let’s begin!

Image credits: manycoders.com by Joel Duncun

Converting Lotus 1-2-3 Files to Excel Format

To convert Lotus 1-2-3 files to Excel Format, follow these steps:

1. Open Microsoft Excel and create a new workbook.
2. Go to the File tab at the top of the screen, then select Open.
3. Locate your Lotus 1-2-3 file and click on it.
4. Click Open and an Import Wizard will appear.
5. Follow the steps in the wizard to select your import options, then load your data into Excel.

Formatting may not be retained – you may need to adjust column widths or apply cell styles.

If data didn’t transfer correctly, such as formulas or macros, try copying and pasting them into the new Excel workbook.

Tip: If you convert often or have many files, use third-party software, which can save time and avoid errors.

Converting Lotus 1-2-3 Files to Excel Format is useful – you can work with older documents while using modern software features.

Now let’s move on to Saving Lotus 1-2-3 Files in Excel Format.

Saving Lotus 1-2-3 Files in Excel

1. Click File, then Save As.
2. Choose where to save the file and name it.
3. Select ‘Excel Workbook (*.xlsx)’ in the ‘Save as type’ drop-down menu.

Once these steps are done, you have saved your Lotus 1-2-3 file as an Excel workbook.

Keep in mind that some formatting issues may show up. But, you can adjust them easily. Also, advanced features not included in Excel may not work correctly after converting. So, it’s important to check the converted document before using it.

Microsoft stopped supporting Lotus files with Office 2010. But, you can still convert and work with them in later versions of Excel.

To edit Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheets in Excel, it’s similar to editing any other spreadsheet in Excel. We will talk more about this in the next section.

Editing Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheets in Excel

Do you use both Lotus 1-2-3 and Excel? Struggling to switch between them? This section will show you how. We’ll look at how to edit cells, rows, and columns in Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets in Excel. Plus, we’ll see how Excel features can simplify the transition. With these tricks, you can save time and energy!

Image credits: manycoders.com by Adam Jones

Editing Cells, Rows, and Columns of Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheets in Excel

To edit cells, rows or columns in Excel, first open the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet. Then, select the cell(s), row(s) or column(s) you want to work on. You can hold down the “Control” button and click on individual cells or click and drag across several cells.

After selecting, use the tools in Excel’s ribbons to edit. For example, double-click a cell to change its value, or type into a cell to update formula data. To delete a cell’s contents, select it plus its data using Shift key+Delete keys.

Format content using Excel’s features. These include font size/typeface/color/underline/borders/background color for selected cells or the whole worksheet.

Beyond text functions, Excel offers sorting/grouping/filtering; pivots, charts, trends/variances; conditional formatting; calculated expressions in formulas with Visual Basic macros; buttons/menus; customizable toolbars; add-ins; compatibility with external databases; and web publishing features.

In 1998, Microsoft released version 9 of Office Suite under “Office 97”. It was popular among users and developers, and it brought significant improvements in terms of functionality, with better integration with other Microsoft applications.

Using Excel Features to Modify Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheets

Additionally, there are additional tools that can help with data manipulation.

Using Excel Features to Modify Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheets

Open your Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet in Excel! Simply go to File > Open in Excel. Then, click on ‘File’ and select ‘Save As.’ Choose ‘Excel Workbook (*.xlsx)’. Conversion will start.

You may need to update data validation rules. To do this, go to ‘Data’ on the ribbon and choose ‘Data Validation’. Update settings here.

Now, you can use all of Excel’s editing tools to modify the spreadsheet. This includes conditional formatting and creating charts/graphs.

Using Excel Features to Modify Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheets is easy and saves time. It also allows for easy collaboration between users.

Pro Tip – Always make a backup copy of the Lotus 1-2-3 file before converting it to an Excel file.

Let’s talk about Working with Lotus 1-2-3 Functions in Excel now!

Working with Lotus 1-2-3 Functions in Excel

Do you work with spreadsheets? If so, you’re probably familiar with basic functions. But did you know Excel has Lotus 1-2-3 functions too? Let’s explore those! We’ll start with the essentials: @SUM, @AVG, and @MAX. Advanced users: we’ll also cover @IFERROR and @VLOOKUP – they can make spreadsheets more efficient!

Image credits: manycoders.com by Yuval Jones

Basic Lotus 1-2-3 Functions for Excel Users

Do you want to work more efficiently in Excel? A great way is to understand basic functions in Lotus 1-2-3. Let’s check out some essential ones.

Function	Description	Example
@SUM()	Adds up values in a range of cells	@SUM(A1:A10)
@AVG()	Calculates average of a range of cells	@AVG(A1:D1)
@MAX()	Returns maximum value from a range of cells	@MAX(C1:C20)
@MIN()	Returns minimum value from a range of cells	@MIN(B5:E5)
@ROUND()	Rounds a number to a specified number of digits	@ROUND(A1,2)

You can use these functions like you would in Lotus 1-2-3. For instance, if you want to add up the values in cells A1 to A10, type “=SUM(A1:A10)” without the quotation marks into any cell. Remember, ‘@’ symbol is not required in Excel.

Plus, if you have a huge spreadsheet and you want to quickly add up multiple values without entering each cell one by one, simply use “@SUM()” with the first and last cell references separated by a colon. This will add up all the values between those two cells.

It’s interesting that many companies still use Lotus 1-2-3 because of its powerful data analysis capabilities and as one of the oldest spreadsheets.

And now, let’s discuss Advanced Lotus 1-2-3 Functions for Excel Users.

Advanced Lotus 1-2-3 Functions for Excel Users

The @IF…THEN and CMPLX functions work similarly in both programmes, but Lotus used different syntax for its equivalent function. CMPLX was used with @IMAGINARY to convert numbers with imaginary parts.

VLOOKUP was like Excel’s VLOOKUP formula, describing the search to be made vertically along a specified row.

Using these advanced functions properly makes your work easier and ensures your spreadsheets are efficient and easy to read.

Pro Tip: Use the “convert” option under the “file” menu in Excel to convert any old Lotus 1-2-3 file into an XLS format without modifying any functionality or information.

Let’s further improve our efficiency by Printing Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheets in Excel.

Printing Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheets in Excel

Making the switch from Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets to Excel can be daunting. Though similar, there are some key differences. This section will teach you how to print Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets in Excel. We’ll outline two key aspects: setting up print areas and actually printing. Follow these steps and you’ll soon master printing Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets in Excel.

Image credits: manycoders.com by David Washington

Setting Up Print Areas for Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheets in Excel

1. Open the spreadsheet in Excel.
2. Highlight the range of cells you want to print.
3. Go to Page Layout.
4. Click Print Area.
5. Select Set Print Area from the dropdown.
6. Preview the print area.
7. If satisfied, hit print.

There may be minor formatting changes when printing a Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet in Excel. Setting up print areas can help limit those changes and maintain the original document’s integrity.

Printed copies of spreadsheets, like Lotus 1-2-3 files, are essential. Think of the nightmare of not having relevant printed documents when you’re running late for a meeting. Avoid that by taking a few moments to set up proper print areas now.

Printing Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheets in Excel

Begin by opening your Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet in Excel.

Click the File tab.

Select Print and pick your preferred printer.

This lets you view a preview of the spreadsheet.

Now, customize printing options in the Printing Preferences dialogue box.

Change settings such as paper size, orientation, and scaling.

The table below illustrates the process:

Step	Action
1	Open Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet in Excel
2	Click on File tab
3	Select Print
4	Choose preferred printer
5	Preview spreadsheet
6.	Customize printing options

Here are some tips for a better experience:

1. Format data to make it easier to read when printed.
   Use cell border lines or background colors.

2. Preview prints before sending them off.
   This way you can spot mistakes that can be fixed easily.

Lastly, maintain your printer to get high-quality prints.
Change ink and toner cartridges, clean the print head, or install new drivers.

Follow these instructions and you will have a professional and organized way of printing spreadsheets!

FAQs about Working With Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheets In Excel

What is Lotus 1-2-3?

Lotus 1-2-3 was a popular spreadsheet program in the 1980s and 1990s. It was eventually overtaken by Microsoft Excel but many businesses and individuals still have legacy IBM Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets on hand.

Can I open Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets in Excel?

Yes, Excel includes the functionality to open .123 files. Simply go to File > Open and select the .123 file you wish to open.

What if my Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet doesn’t open properly in Excel?

If your file is not opening properly, it may be due to compatibility issues. Try saving the .123 file as a .csv file in Lotus 1-2-3 and then import it into Excel as a .csv.

What are some limitations when working with Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets in Excel?

Some formatting and functionality may be lost when opening Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets in Excel. For example, Lotus 1-2-3 macros may not run in Excel.

Can I save my Excel spreadsheet as a Lotus 1-2-3 file?

Yes, to save your spreadsheet as a Lotus 1-2-3 file, go to File > Save As and select the .123 file format from the list of options.

What are some tips for working with Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets in Excel?

It can be helpful to make a copy of your Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet before opening it in Excel, in case any changes need to be made or if any formatting is lost. Additionally, be sure to test any formulas or calculations in Excel to ensure they are still functioning properly.