How to Set up a Claris Folder

What is the Claris folder inside my System Folder?
A Description of the Claris Folder

Nearly all Claris applications can use the Claris XTND System for import & export of other file types. (XTND is also Claris Translators.) The Claris dictionaries are also used by nearly all Claris applications and are available in four languages in addition to US English.

This quick reference guide shows you how to set up a Claris folder in your System Folder. This allows all of your Claris applications to share the same Claris Translator files, as well as Claris dictionary files, saving space on your hard disk.

MacDraw Pro (1.0 or 1.5) and Claris Resolve (1.1) will automatically create a Claris folder and install the files which they use. They will not, however, install all of the files you may need.

Before You Install

Make sure you have access to the most recent versions of the Claris software.


Installing files into the Claris folder:

Help files come with all Claris products except MacPaint 2.0.

(Please remember that you need both the "Claris Help System" file, as well as any of the above help files.)

Claris Translators also work with ON Location 2.0.1 and Instant Update 1.0.1

Installing foreign language dictionaries:

Foreign Language Dictionaries are currently available for Claris applications in: British, French, Spanish, and German.

To install a foreign language dictionary:

Stationery/Options Documents:

A. Changing Default Settings:

In MacDraw Pro 1.0 & 1.5, MacWrite II 1.1, Claris CAD 2.0, and MacProject II 2.5; you can change any of the default settings such as: fonts, fonts sizes, headers, footers, custom styles (MacWrite II) rulers, pen sizes, artwork (MacDraw Pro 1.0 & 1.5, Claris CAD) and save them as a Stationery document. From now on, each time you open the specified application or create a new document, all of the customized settings will be the default settings. The following procedure explains how this is done.

B. Temporarily Disabling Your Custom Default Options:
Specific Application Notes

MACWRITE II 1.1: Using MacLink Plus Bridge

MacWrite II users can order an additional set of file translators containing many more PC and mainframe application file formats from DataViz, Inc.

In order to use the additional translator files, follow the installation procedure below:


To see the full range of XTND filters in MacWrite II

If the Open and Save As dialog boxes in MacWrite II do not display all the XTND filters in the pop up menu, try doing an "Insert File" (command-shift-i). Typically, this option will show all the XTND filters available when the pop-up is clicked.

FileMaker Pro/MacDraw Pro: Additional Claris Translator files

In order to ensure that these new versions can read and write needed file formats, make sure the Claris Translators files from the FileMaker Pro/MacDraw Pro disks are copied into your Claris folder, as well as the Help documents, if you wish to use help inside these applications.


Claris Translator Files

(Excludes MacLink Plus/Bridge files purchased from DataViz, as well as native formats, such Stationery, Text, Tab Text, Comma Separated Text, etc.)

(Also excludes ClarisWorks translators, which are a single 100K file, version 1.0v3; and Claris Resolve translators, which reside inside the application.)

Claris XTND file 1.3
Acta 3.0 (1.0)
AppleWorks (1.0)
AppleWorks GS (1.0)
Claris XTND Bridge (1.0)
EPSF (1.0v3) (Encapsulated Postscript File)
MacDraw II 1.1 (1.0v4)
MacLink Plus/Bridge (2.0)
MacPaint (1.0v2)
MacPaint 2.0 (1.0v2)
MacWrite (1.0)
MacWrite 5.0 (1.0v3)
MacWrite II (1.0)
Microsoft Word 3.0 (1.0)
Microsoft Word 4.0 (1.0v2)
Microsoft Word PC (1.0v2)
Microsoft Works 1.1 (1.0v2)
Microsoft Works DB (1.0v2)
PICT (1.0)
Plain Text (1.0)
RTF (1.0v2) (Rich Text Format)
TIFF (1.0v2) (Tagged Image File Format)
WordPerfect (1.0)
WordPerfect PC 4.2 (1.0v2)
WordPerfect PC 5.0 (1.0v4)
WriteNow (1.0v2)
WriteNow NeXT (1.0)

If you don't want to use the Claris folder

There are several other options for you if you don't want to create a Claris folder in your System Folder. Although the Claris folder approach is recommended, here are some alternatives:

This article provides information about a non-Apple product. Apple Computer, Inc. is not responsible for its content. Please contact the vendor for additional information.

The following Tech Info Library article can help you search for a particular vendor's address and phone number:

Article 17159: "Locating Vendor Information"
Published Date: Feb 18, 2012