ClarisWorks Cross-Platform Considerations

ClarisWorks 3.0 has the same user interface and file format across Macintosh and Windows platforms. This cross-platform compatibility means that sharing files between Macintosh or Windows versions is transparent and readily accomplished without the use of translation software. There are, however, a few rules to keep in mind.

MSDOS file name conventions.
When using ClarisWorks files cross-platform from Macintosh to Windows, files should have a name of no more than eight characters with a .CWK extension. This "eight dot three" requirement is an MSDOS naming convention.

For example, a Macintosh ClarisWorks 3.0 document, could be named, ClarisWorks Sample, but it would not appear in the Open File dialog box in ClarisWorks 3.0 for Windows unless you chose Show All Files as the file type. The file itself would have a truncated name, with an exclamation mark and the first seven characters becoming the file name, and the next three becoming the extension (e.g., !clarisw.ork). While this strangely named file can be opened in ClarisWorks 3.0 for Windows, a better file name on both computers would be "CWSAMPLE.CWK," which can be opened by either platform.

Paint document sizes.
A large paint document created in ClarisWorks 3.0 for Windows may be opened in ClarisWorks 3.0 for the Macintosh provided that the memory allocation is increased. The instructions for how to increase the application memory size can be found in the ClarisWorks Installation Guide (Macintosh).

On a Windows computer, the default size of a Paint document is 468 pixels by 324 pixels (6.5" wide by 4.5" high). On a Macintosh, the default size of a Paint document opened under the default memory allocation to ClarisWorks opens up to 4.5" by 4.5". These sizes can be changed in either platform by choosing Document from under the Format menu and filling out the desired size information in either platform.

Font transfer issues.
A document created on a Windows computer using particular fonts, sizes and styles may not convert to the Macintosh exactly. As an example, Times New Roman under Windows should convert to Times on a Macintosh. The style and size convert properly, but the Macintosh will not retain the Times font name. When moving a document from Windows to Macintosh, only fonts with exactly the same name on each platform (i.e., Helvetica), will be recognized by the Macintosh with any consistency. There is a little more flexibility when moving a document from Macintosh to Windows.

Windows font substitutions are handled by a section of the WIN.INI file called [FontSubstitutes]. One of the default settings is "Times=Times New Roman." The WIN.INI file can be edited to achieve whatever substitution you want. A document created on the Macintosh with Times will convert properly to Times New Roman on a Windows machine assuming the Font Substitution is set in the WIN.INI file.