How to use ClarisWorks 5.0 files on a new Mac (with Pages?)

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Level 1

9 points

How to use ClarisWorks 5.0 files on a new Mac (with Pages?)

I _have to_ migrate *ClarisWorks 5.0 files to a newer Mac*. Pages refuses to open them... ("Import Error: The document was created with an unsupported version of AppleWorks") What can I do?

Is the only way migrating first to the stable AppleWorks 6.2.4? (Thanks Peggy) If I find a copy, should I avoid the 6.2.9 updater? (This is the latest I've found on Apple's site)

Could I then open and edit these AppleWorks 6.2.X files in Pages too?

Is there a way to transform ClarisWorks 5.0 files directly to files any version of Pages can handle?

Many thanks and best regards,

Quentin

Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Oct 1, 2007 5:27 PM

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Answer 1

Peggy

Level 8

41,847 points

Oct 1, 2007 7:46 PM in response to Quentin Thor

Welcome to Apple Discussions Quentin

Any version of Pages can open AppleWorks 6 word processing document created or saved with any version of AppleWorks 6. Numbers can open AppleWorks 6 spreadsheets. Keynote can open AppleWorks 6 presentations. This one probably isn't a problem for you as presentations is an AppleWorks 6 only module.

Unfortunately, there isn't any program other than AppleWorks that can open AppleWorks database, draw & paint documents. I've left feedback for Pages suggesting the ability to open AppleWorks draw documents in the new page layout mode in Pages 3 be added. If you have any draw documents the contents could be copied & pasted into an AppleWorks word processing document as floating objects. They will translate well from AppleWorks 6 to Pages.

If you only have word processing documents without graphics you could save them as RTF or text (add the .rtf or .txt extension to the file name) & Pages will open them. Any graphics will be lost. Spreadsheets can also be saved as text & opened with Numbers. There is also icWord & icExcel from Panergy Software which can open AppleWorks 5 word processing & spreadsheets & save them as AppleWorks 6. Again, graphics don't translate.

The only thing that is going to preserve formatting, graphics, etc. in your AppleWorks 5 files is AppleWorks 6. If you don't have any ClarisWorks 4 or earlier files, AppleWorks 6.2.9 will be fine. If there is any possibility that some of your files are ClarisWorks 4 or earlier, you'll need AppleWorks 6.2.4 to be sure you will be able to open them.

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Answer 2

Quentin Thor Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 2, 2007 6:25 PM in response to Peggy

Many thanks for your support Peggy!

I've left feedback for Pages suggesting the ability to open AppleWorks
draw documents in the new page layout mode in Pages 3 be added.

That's a great idea. How come, they don't know how important this would be!? For me, these draw documents have been the best base for word processing. They allowed perfect flexibility for embedded text frames (as you know for sure).

If you have any draw documents the contents could be copied & pasted
into an AppleWorks word processing document as floating objects.
They will translate well from AppleWorks 6 to Pages.

I have to find AppleWorks 6.2, that's for sure...

There is also icWord & icExcel from Panergy Software which can open
AppleWorks 5 word processing & spreadsheets & save them as
AppleWorks 6. Again, graphics don't translate.

Great, I didn't know that. I used icWord as a workaround for MS Word before, but didn't know they can convert ClarisWorks (5.0) to Apple Works files.

If I can get AppleWorks 6.2.4 or .9: Does it work on Mac OS X 10.4.10 without any limitations?

Best regards,

Quentin

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Answer 3

Peggy

Level 8

41,847 points

Oct 2, 2007 8:32 PM in response to Quentin Thor

I use AppleWorks 6.2.9 on both my G5 tower & my MacBook Pro with OS 10.4.10 without any problems. It actually seems more stable & faster on the MBP! Until there is a database in iWork, I will continue to use AppleWorks. Numbers is not as full-featured as AppleWorks' spreadsheet, but it does everything I need it to do.

I was really surprised that the page layout mode in Pages 3 doesn't open AppleWorks 6 draw document. A Pages page layout document is like an AppleWorks draw document as they are both "blank canvases" you place objects on & I've already confirmed that the objects & text boxes translate. In Pages 1 the text boxes didn't remain editable, but they do in Pages 2 & 3.

You could try <a href=http://listings.ebay.com/aw/listings/list/all/cat egory3792/index.html> eBay and do a search for "AppleWorks" or "Apple Works" (some people put a "space" in the name). Hardcore Mac sells AppleWorks 6.2.4. Also, from an e-mail I got from the AppleWorks User Group - "Despite rumors to the contrary, Apple continues to sell AppleWorks. To buy the software, you must call the Apple Store at (800) MY-APPLE and ask the salesperson to check the "legacy software price list". You might have to be insistent - some representatives apparently don't know about the "legacy price list" and others seem trained to try to dissuade customers from buying AppleWorks. If you don't get the help you need, we suggest you call back and work with a different representative."

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