acq

.acq — Acquisition Data File

Lotus Development Corporation · 1984

Developer

Lotus Development Corporation

Key Features

Stores spreadsheet data, formulas, and formatting.
Proprietary binary format from Lotus 1-2-3.
Primarily used in the MS-DOS computing era.
Limited compatibility with modern software.

Best For

Users needing to access very old Lotus 1-2-3 data.
Archival purposes for historical spreadsheet data.
Understanding the evolution of spreadsheet software.

Less Ideal For

Creating new spreadsheets for modern use.
Sharing data with users of current spreadsheet software.
Collaborative work due to limited support.
Complex data analysis requiring modern features.

Common Use Cases

Archiving historical financial or data records.
Data storage for users still maintaining legacy systems.
Reference for historical analysis or software archeology.

How to Open It

Attempt to open with LibreOffice Calc, which has some legacy import capabilities.
Use dedicated file conversion tools or online converters, though success is not guaranteed.
If available, use older versions of Microsoft Excel that might retain some Lotus 1-2-3 import filters.
Consider virtualizing an old DOS environment with Lotus 1-2-3 installed for direct access.

What is a .acq file?

The .acq file extension is associated with Lotus 1-2-3, an early and influential spreadsheet program. These files typically store spreadsheet data, including numerical calculations, text, and formatting. While Lotus 1-2-3 was popular in the DOS era, its usage has significantly declined with the rise of Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Opening or converting these files can be challenging due to their age and the limited availability of compatible software. They represent a piece of computing history for spreadsheet enthusiasts and archivists.

Programs That Open .acq Files

Platform	Program
Windows	LibreOffice Calc	Free
macOS	LibreOffice Calc	Free
Linux	LibreOffice Calc	Free

How to Convert .acq Files

Format	Method
.XLSX	LibreOffice Calc, Online Converters
.CSV	LibreOffice Calc, Online Converters

Common Problems with .acq Files

⚠️ Cannot open .acq files in modern spreadsheet software.

Use conversion tools like LibreOffice Calc or online converters, or consider emulation for the original Lotus 1-2-3 software.

⚠️ Data loss or corruption during conversion.

Always back up original .acq files before attempting conversion and test conversions with small sample files first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an .acq file?▼

An .acq file is a legacy spreadsheet file format created by Lotus 1-2-3, an early popular spreadsheet application.

Can I open .acq files with Microsoft Excel?▼

Direct opening is usually not supported. Older versions of Excel might have import filters, but conversion via intermediate formats or software like LibreOffice Calc is more reliable.

Is .acq a common file format today?▼

No, .acq is an outdated format and is rarely used for new data or sharing purposes.

Technical Details

ACQ files are binary files adhering to the proprietary format of Lotus 1-2-3. They contain worksheet data, cell formulas, formatting, and macros specific to the application. Due to their proprietary nature and the discontinuation of active development and support for Lotus 1-2-3, these files are not easily interoperable with modern spreadsheet software without conversion.

Did You Know?

Lotus 1-2-3 was one of the first 'killer applications' for the IBM PC, significantly boosting its sales.

The '1-2-3' in its name referred to its integrated database and graphing functions alongside its spreadsheet capabilities.

Security Information

As .acq files are primarily data-storage formats from older software, they generally pose low security risks. However, if opening files from unknown or untrusted sources, be cautious, as with any file type, to prevent potential macro-enabled viruses or data corruption.