PFS:Write
---------
The ProDOS version of PFS:Write includes a conversion program called PFS:Convert, which lets you convert Pascal-based PFS files to the new ProDOS PFS:Write format. Once you've made this conversion, start the ProDOS version of PFS:Write and load the file you want to transfer to AppleWorks. From the PFS:Write Main Menu, save the file using the suffix ".TXT." PFS:Write will now save the file as a standard ASCII file stripped of formatting commands except line breaks. Now you can start AppleWorks, and use the "Make a new document for the Word Processor" function and type in the file's pathname. You will have to reformat the document.
The Pascal PFS Conversion Disk also converts Pascal PFS:Write and PFS:File documents to ProDOS (ASCII) files. Jim Luther, 5716 Forest, Kansas City MO 64110.
The March 1986 issue of Call-A.P.P.L.E. contains a conversion program that you can either type yourself, or download from the A.P.P.L.E. Crate Bulletin Board (206) 251-0543. Call-A.P.P.L.E., 290 S. W. 43rd Street, Renton WA 98055, 206/251-5222.
PFS:File
--------
If your PFS:File records fit within AppleWorks' limits (number of categories and fields) no special preparation is necessary. If you have more categories, than AppleWorks allows, you'll have to decide which are not vital and delete them. If you have fields longer than 76 characters, AppleWorks should truncate the additional characters, but AppleWorks versions earlier than 1.3 don't always do so.
After using the PFS:Convert program that comes with the ProDOS version of PFS:File, use the "Copy Selected Forms to An ASCII File" in the ProDOS PFS:File program, enter the prefix and file name for the new ASCII text file. When the ASCII options menu is displayed, choose a number between 1 and 30 for the "End of item code" and a different number for your "End of form code." PFS:File will convert the file, although somewhat slowly. Now you can start AppleWorks, Make a New file for the Data Base, and Make a new file from a text (ASCII) file. Enter the path name for the file you are about to import. At the prompt, tell AppleWorks how many categories were in each PFS:File record. Give the file you are creating a name and Press Return; AppleWorks will create a database. A word of caution: if you are working with 5.25" disks, you must split PFS files larger than 30K into smaller files.
Jim Luther's Pascal PFS Conversion Disk performs the conversion, but it has some limitations: it takes data only from the first page of PFS:File form, drops any categories after the 30th, and truncates any entries in a category in excess of 78 characters.
The June 1986 issue of Call-A.P.P.L.E. contains another program by Wes Felty, PFS:File to ProDOS ASCII Converter, which you can type yourself or download from the A.P.P.L.E. Crate Bulletin Board.
A commercial program called Bridge converts Pascal PFS:File documents to a DOS 3.3 DIF sequential text file, or to one formatted for DOS 3.3 AppleWriter II. It converts entire PFS:File forms without limitations by the page or the form or the number or length of the categories. Once the file is converted to standard DOS 3.3, you must bring it over to ProDOS with Apple's ProDOS Utilities, System Utilities, or other conversion program. Sun Microsystems, Inc., P. O. Box 1388, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302, 305/486-6115.
Another Pascal PFS:File to ProDOS conversion method involves the ProFiler program. There are two ProFiler utility programs used to convert PFS:File records to ProFiler records. One program works with Pascal PFS:File records, the other with ProDOS PFS:File records. You can batch process the conversion from PFS by using an Exec file adapted for your own use from a public domain diskette (No. 34) available from TAWUG, The AppleWorks Users Group, P. O. Box 24789, Denver, CO 80224-0869, or you can write to Don Lancaster c/o Computer Shopper for a hardcopy of the program (include a self-addressed stamped envelope). ProFiler is from PM Software, P. O. Box 1788, 17610 Beach Boulevard, Suite 29, Huntington Beach CA 92647, 714/963-2221.