File Extension Database

Open WKS File

File extension WKS is most commonly associated with a Microsoft Works Spreadsheet, though was also used early on by IBM's Lotus 1-2-3. In both cases the data stored is a spreadsheet.

Spreadsheets, otherwise known as worksheets, are composed of rows and columns which are typically used to store and manipulate numerical data. Where a row and a column intersect is a cell, which is typically referenced by a letter representing the column and a number representing the row, such as C4. This standard method of cell referencing makes it easy to navigate around a spreadsheet regardless of its complexity. In addition to entering figures, formulas can also be inserted which make use of values contained within cells. This means that if a value were to be changed, this would be reflected in any formula which uses this value, making spreadsheets ideal for modelling and forecasting.

Spreadsheets can also be used to present data, and both Microsoft Works and Lotus 1-2-3 support a variety of graphs and charts which can also change dynamically to reflect changes to values in the spreadsheet. Standard text formatting tools are also available to improve the readability of data, particularly in large, complex spreadsheets.

Spreadsheets are used in many industries, particularly those working extensively with numerical data such as accountants or scientific research departments. However, given their power and flexibility, spreadsheets are now more widely used by everyone from businesses to model sales forecasts or cash flow, to home users to manage their personal finances.

Though far less common, the WKS file extension may also refer to an XLISP WorKSpace, a development environment for the XLISP programming language which is a derivative of the more widespread LISP language albeit with additional object-orientated features.

Microsoft Works Spreadsheet files can be opened by both Microsoft Works and Microsoft Excel, though native Excel File extension XLS and, since the release of Office 2007, the File extension XLSX format, are more common. Lotus WKS files can be opened by Lotus 1-2-3, as well as Microsoft Excel, OpenOffice Calc and Star Office Calc.

Typical WKS application file locations:

C:\PROGRA~2\MICROS~1\wksss.exe "%1"

Frequently associated Windows objects:

MSWorks4Sheet

How Can I Open WKS File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open WKS file is to find a WKS file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a WKS file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open WKS file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as WKS file opener then try to search online for "WKS viewer", "application to open WKS file" or "open WKS file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open WKS file

How Can I Open WKS File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a WKS file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a WKS file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with WKS file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as WKS file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open WKS file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open WKS file then try to search for "WKS viewer", "application to open WKS file" or "read WKS file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read WKS file

How Can I Open WKS File on Android

If you downloaded a WKS file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded WKS file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "WKS".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "WKS viewer", "WKS file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open WKS File on iPhone or iPad

To open WKS File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the WKS file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "WKS". This way you can find apps which can open WKS files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "WKS viewer" or "WKS file" online in your favorite search engine.