About converting worksheets between Excel and Lotus 1-2-3

Saving in Microsoft Excel file format Excel stores the file format of any file you open. When you save a file, Excel uses the same format the file was in when you opened it. For example, if you open a Lotus 1-2-3 file with a .wk3 extension, Excel saves the file as a Lotus 1-2-3 file with a .wk3 extension. If you make changes to the file in Excel, you should save the file in an Excel file format to be sure all of your changes are saved. To do this, be sure to use the Save As command and select Microsoft Excel Workbook in the Save as type box.

Changing the file name extension When you save a workbook as a different type by changing the file format in the Save as type box, you do not have to change the file name, because Excel saves a copy of the workbook with a different file name extension. For example, a Lotus 1-2-3 Release 4.0 file has a file name extension of .wk4; Excel Workbook format uses the .xls file name extension.

Typing a new extension in the File name box, or renaming the file with a new extension in the folder window, is not sufficient to change the file type. You must also change the Save as type box to the file type you want.

Applying formatting from associated Lotus 1-2-3 files When you open a Lotus 1-2-3 worksheet or workbook in Excel, Excel applies the formatting in the associated .fmt, .fm3, or .all file. Make sure the associated file is stored in the same folder as the .wk? file. If you save a Lotus 1-2-3 file in Excel format, Excel saves the spreadsheet data and formatting in a single workbook file.

Using Lotus 1-2-3 rules to calculate formulas When you open a Lotus 1-2-3 worksheet in Microsoft Excel, the Transition formula evaluation check box is automatically selected for that sheet to ensure that Excel calculates the formulas according to the Lotus 1-2-3 rules.

If you save a Lotus 1-2-3 worksheet as an Excel worksheet, the Transition formula evaluation check box remains selected and Excel will calculate the formulas according to the Lotus 1-2-3 rules until you clear it.

How cells are used in formulas Once you have converted a Lotus 1-2-3 file to an Excel workbook, you can examine the relationships of the cells and formulas within the worksheet by using the worksheet audit commands.

Some formulas may not convert If a formula can't be converted to an Excel formula, the worksheet shows the last value calculated for the formula in Lotus 1-2-3.