Convert PIC to 123

Understanding PIC and 123 file formats

PIC files are raster image files, commonly associated with formats like IBM's PC Paint or Micrografx Picture Image. These files store bitmap graphics and are used in various legacy graphics applications. 123 files, on the other hand, are spreadsheet files created by Lotus 1-2-3, a popular spreadsheet program from the 1980s and 1990s. The 123 format is used for storing tabular data, formulas, and charts.

Can you convert PIC to 123?

Direct conversion from a PIC image file to a 123 spreadsheet file is not natively supported, as these formats serve entirely different purposes—one is for images, the other for spreadsheets. However, if your goal is to extract data from a PIC image (such as a scanned table or chart) and import it into a 123 spreadsheet, you can use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software to convert the image content into editable text or table data, which can then be imported into Lotus 1-2-3 or compatible spreadsheet software.

Best software for PIC to 123 conversion

The recommended workflow involves two main steps:

1. Convert PIC to editable data: Use OCR software such as ABBYY FineReader or Adobe Acrobat (if you first convert PIC to PDF) to recognize and extract tabular data from the image.
2. Import data into 123: Save the recognized data as a CSV or XLS file, then open it in Lotus 1-2-3 (if available) or a compatible spreadsheet program like LibreOffice Calc or Microsoft Excel. You can then save or export the file in the 123 format if needed.

Step-by-step conversion process

1. Open your PIC file in an image viewer or converter and save it as a standard image format (e.g., PNG or JPG) if necessary.
2. Launch ABBYY FineReader and use the Open or Scan function to load your image.
3. Use the OCR tool to recognize tables or text in the image.
4. Export the recognized data as a CSV or XLS file using File → Save As → Microsoft Excel or File → Save As → CSV.
5. Open the exported file in Lotus 1-2-3 or a compatible spreadsheet program.
6. If needed, save the file in the 123 format using File → Save As → Lotus 1-2-3 (*.123).

Summary

While there is no direct PIC to 123 file conversion, using OCR software to extract data from a PIC image and then importing it into a spreadsheet application is the most effective method. ABBYY FineReader is highly recommended for accurate OCR and data export.