When importing gif files into ClarisWorks that were translated onto the Mac using Apple File Exchange, they will not be recognized as GIF files by ClarisWorks. This is because Macintosh files have a Type and Creator identifier, but files from other platforms don't have them.
The work around for this is to use a program such as Drop Info, ResEdit, File Typer, or Get More Info to change the file type descriptor To GIF. Once this is done, ClarisWorks will recognize the file as a gif file.