Which MIME types are related to file extension ".123"?
The .123 file extension is associated with 2 MIME types:
application/vnd.lotus-1-2-3, application/x-123.
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
About .123 Files
123 files are spreadsheet files used by the Lotus 1-2-3 program. They store data organized in cells, formulas, and charts.
They are identified by the MIME types application/vnd.lotus-1-2-3 and application/x-123 (Lotus 1-2-3 Worksheet 97).
- Main Use: Creating, editing, and sharing spreadsheets.
- Technical Detail: The MIME types signal that the file is designed for Lotus 1-2-3.
- Software Support: Openable with Lotus 1-2-3, and sometimes with applications like OpenOffice or LibreOffice.
- Legacy Format: Known as Lotus 1-2-3 Worksheet 97, it is a legacy format still in use in some environments.
Relationship between file extension and MIME type
A file extension is a suffix at the end of a filename that indicates what type of file it is. File extensions help both users and operating systems identify what application should be used to open the file.
File extensions are typically separated from the filename by a period (dot) and consist of 2-4 characters, though they can be longer. For example, in the filename "document.pdf", ".pdf" is the file extension.
File extensions are closely related to MIME types, as they both serve to identify the format of a file. However, while MIME types are used primarily by web browsers and servers, file extensions are used by operating systems and applications.
Associated MIME types
application/vnd.lotus-1-2-3, application/x-123
FAQs
What is a .123 file?
A .123 file is a spreadsheet document created by the legacy software Lotus 1-2-3. It stores data in rows and columns, similar to Microsoft Excel, and can contain formulas, charts, and macros. It is often associated with the MIME type application/vnd.lotus-1-2-3.
How do I open a .123 file on modern Windows?
Since Lotus 1-2-3 is discontinued, the best way to open these files is using free office suites like LibreOffice Calc or Apache OpenOffice. These programs maintain excellent backward compatibility and can import the data from the legacy format.
Can Microsoft Excel open .123 files?
Modern versions of Microsoft Excel have dropped native support for many older Lotus formats. If Excel cannot open the file directly, you should open it in LibreOffice first and then save it as an Excel file (.xlsx).
How can I convert a .123 file to Excel or PDF?
To convert the file, open it in LibreOffice Calc or Corel Quattro Pro. Once opened, go to File > Save As to convert it to .xlsx or File > Export as PDF to create a document for viewing.
Are .123 files dangerous?
Like other spreadsheet formats, .123 files can contain macros (scripts) that may harbor malware. Only open these files if they come from a trusted source, and consider scanning them with antivirus software before opening.
What MIME type should I use for serving .123 files?
The standard MIME type is application/vnd.lotus-1-2-3. However, older systems or specific configurations might use application/x-123. You can verify configuration details at mime-type.com.
Can I open .123 files on a Mac?
Yes, you can open these files on macOS by installing LibreOffice for Mac. Apple's native Numbers app generally does not support the .123 legacy format directly.
General FAQ
What is a MIME type?
A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.
MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.
MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.
How do I find the MIME type for a file?
You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.
Why can one extension have multiple MIME types?
Different programs and historical usage may assign various MIME identifiers to the same file format. Listing them together helps maintain compatibility across tools.