Lotus 1-2-3
Lotus 1-2-3 for DOS only supports the formats WKS (release 1a), WK1 (release 2.0), and WK3, none of which ClarisWorks for Macintosh supports (the Windows version does support them). In addition, 1-2-3's "Translate" utility doesn't support any formats that ClarisWorks supports, except for DIF, which doesn't preserve formulas. Furthermore, Lotus 1-2-3's idea of creating a text file is printing to a file that uses spaces between cells to simulate columns -- not too useful as far as ClarisWorks is concerned. The best situation is either:
- Use Claris Resolve, which can open WKS or WK1 files, and export as SYLK.
- Use Lotus 1-2-3 for the Mac.
- Use any other Mac spreadsheet which can open Lotus 1-2-3 files
Another solution is to use Excel for DOS or Windows. Both can read WK1 files. So if a customer wants to convert a PC Lotus 1-2-3 file to ClarisWorks, and they have Excel on the PC, they should:
- Convert their file to a WK1 file using Lotus' "Translate" utility or by changing the file name to *.WK1 on the command line when they save the file
- Open the file in Excel
- Save it as SYLK
- Take the file over to the Mac using Apple File Exchange (specifying text translation!)
- Open it in ClarisWorks
ClarisWorks is more particular about SYLK files than is Claris Resolve. While you can export a SYLK file from Excel for DOS or Windows, take it through Apple File Exchange, and open it directly in Resolve, the ClarisWorks SYLK translator isn't as robust. You must remember to select "Text Translation" in Apple File Exchange. Then ClarisWorks will be able to open the SYLK file. Otherwise you'll get a dialog box saying there were "errors" translating the file, and you will probably end up with an empty spreadsheet.