123c

.123c123c Image Format

Abacus Software · 1989

Developer
Abacus Software
Category
Images
MIME Type
image/x-123c
First Released
1989
Open Format
No
File Signature
Not readily available or consistently documented for public use.
At a Glance
.123c
123c Image Format

The .123c format is an older, proprietary raster image file format associated with Abacus Software graphics utilities.

Reviewed on April 29, 2026
Compression
Varies
Transparency
No
Editability
Low
Best for
Legacy graphics

Key Features

  • Proprietary raster image format
  • Developed by Abacus Software
  • Includes header with image metadata
  • Primarily for legacy graphics utilities

Best For

  • Preserving original image data from specific legacy software
  • Archival of early digital graphics
  • As a source for conversion to modern formats

Less Ideal For

  • Web display due to lack of modern support
  • Sharing with users who lack specialized software
  • High-quality print reproduction
  • Animation or multi-frame images

Common Use Cases

  • Storing graphics for older Abacus Software applications
  • Archiving images from the late 1980s and early 1990s
  • As a source file for image format conversion

How to Open It

  1. Use image viewing or editing software that specifically supports the .123c format, such as older versions of PaintShop Pro or specialized graphics converters.
  2. Many modern image editors will not natively open .123c files, requiring conversion first.
  3. If you have the original Abacus Software, its associated graphics tools would be the primary way to open these files.

What is a .123c file?

The 123c file format was an image format developed by Abacus Software primarily for use with their graphics utility programs. It was designed to store raster graphics data, likely with a focus on efficiency for the computing hardware of its era. While not widely adopted beyond its niche, it represented an effort to standardize image storage for specific software ecosystems. Files in this format typically contain pixel data, along with header information detailing dimensions and color depth.

Programs That Open .123c Files

PlatformProgram
WindowsPaintShop Pro (older versions)Paid

How to Convert .123c Files

FormatMethod
.PNGXnConvert, Online converters
.JPGXnConvert, Online converters

Common Problems with .123c Files

⚠️ Cannot open .123c files with modern image software.
Use conversion software like XnConvert or online tools to convert the .123c file to a more common format like PNG or JPG.
⚠️ Lack of support in current operating systems and applications.
Convert the file to a widely supported format before use or archival.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a .123c file?

A .123c file is a proprietary raster image format created by Abacus Software, typically used with their graphics applications from the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Can I open .123c files on my modern computer?

Natively, most modern systems and software cannot open .123c files. You will likely need to use a specialized converter to change it to a more common format like PNG or JPG.

Technical Details

This format stores raw pixel data and likely includes a header containing image dimensions, color palette information, and compression settings if employed. As a proprietary format, its internal structure is specific to the software that created it, often making cross-application compatibility a challenge without conversion.

Did You Know?

The .123c format dates back to an era when image formats were often tied to specific software or hardware.
Its limited adoption means it's rarely encountered outside of archival contexts or by those specifically working with legacy graphics software.

Security Information

As an older and less common format, .123c files themselves are unlikely to pose novel security risks beyond those associated with any image file (e.g., metadata). However, be cautious when downloading such files from unknown sources, as with any file type.

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