Convert AWS to AST

Understanding AWS and AST file formats

AWS files are typically associated with Ability Office Spreadsheet, a spreadsheet format used by the Ability Office suite. These files store data in a tabular format, similar to Microsoft Excel's XLS files. On the other hand, AST files are most commonly known as Adobe Color Separations Table files, used in Adobe applications for color separation settings, or as Astound Presentation files, which are presentation documents created by the now-discontinued Astound software.

Why convert AWS to AST?

Converting an AWS file to an AST file may be necessary if you need to transfer spreadsheet data into a format compatible with legacy presentation or color separation software. However, since these formats serve different purposes, direct conversion is rare and may require intermediate steps or manual adjustments.

How to convert AWS to AST

There is no direct, automated converter for AWS to AST due to the distinct nature of these formats. However, you can try the following workaround:

1. Open your AWS file in Ability Office Spreadsheet.
2. Export or save the data to a more common format such as File → Save As → CSV or File → Save As → XLS.
3. If you are targeting Astound Presentation (AST), open the exported file in a compatible presentation software (such as Microsoft PowerPoint or LibreOffice Impress) and recreate your presentation, then save or export as AST if the software supports it.
4. If you are targeting Adobe Color Separations Table (AST), you will need to manually create the color separation settings in Adobe software, as spreadsheet data cannot be directly converted to this format.

Recommended software for conversion

• Ability Office Spreadsheet – for opening and exporting AWS files.
• LibreOffice – for opening exported CSV/XLS files and creating presentations.
• Adobe InDesign or Photoshop – for working with AST color separation tables.

Summary

Direct conversion from AWS to AST is not supported due to the different purposes of these formats. The best approach is to export your AWS data to a common format and then manually import or recreate the content in the target application that supports AST files.