by Les Jones macfaq@aol.com
1.00 Intro and Changes
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1.01 Purpose
ClarisWorks is probably the most popular program on the Macintosh. Because of its popularity, there are frequent questions about ClarisWorks on the comp.sys.mac.* newsgroups. This document is intended to reduce the number of these frequently asked questions (FAQs). It also provides a written record of useful information found on the newsgroups. Please read the FAQ before posting questions.
1.02 Changes in this version
This is the third major version of the FAQ. The most noticeable change is the addition of the HTML chapter. Other sections were revised considerably in light of ClarisWorks 4.0, and input from Scott Lindsey (wombat@claris.com) .
1.03 Posting frequency and availability
The FAQ will be posted once a month to the Usenet newsgroups comp.sys.mac.apps, comp.sys.mac.comm, and comp.sys.mac.misc. For availability via FTP and the web, see section 1.06.
It will eventually be available on news.answers and comp.answers, but those groups are moderated, and it may take several months before the FAQ is approved by the moderators. Once approved, the FAQ will be posted to those newsgroups, and will be available via FTP from rtfm.mit.edu in the pub/usenet directory.
1.04 Acknowledgements
A number of people have contributed to the FAQ, and are noted along with their contributions. Scott Lindsey (wombat@claris.com) deserves special credit for his input and feedback. His contributions are too numerous to catalog, but they have contributed considerably to the content and quality of the FAQ.
1.05 Contacting the author
My preferred email address is macfaq@aol.com . Please note that I do not work for Claris. I'm just a satisfied customer who thought that ClarisWorks questions were frequent enough to warrant their own FAQ.
1.06 Where to find this and other FAQs by the author
On the World Wide Web http://members.aol.com/macfaq
Via FTP ftp://usit.net/pub/lesjones/ ftp://members.aol.com/macfaq
The URL for this document is: http://members.aol.com/macfaq/clarisworks-faq.html ftp://members.aol.com/macfaq/clarisworks-faq.txt (text version) ftp://members.aol.com/macfaq/clarisworks-faq.sit (ClarisWorks 4.0 version)
Other FAQs I've written include the Mac Storage FAQ, ZTerm FAQ, AOL FAQ, AOL Binaries FAQ, and AOL Newsgroups FAQ.
1.07 Legal notices
This publication is copyright 1995 by Leslie Jones of Softwords. All rights reserved.
Unmodified copies of this publication may be distributed electronically, and may be uploaded to nonprofit BBSes, to FTP sites that allow anonymous login, and to for-profit online services that charge no more than a normal connect fee for downloading files.
Distribution on physical media, including but not limited to paper, floppy disk, and CD-ROM, is prohibited without written permission from the author, Leslie Jones. This restriction does not prohibit individuals from making single copies for friends or for personal use.
Permission is granted to nonprofit user groups to distribute unmodified copies of this publication with their shareware collections. Permission is also granted to the moderators and archivists of the sumex-aim archives at Stanford University to include unmodified copies of this publication on the Info-Mac CD-ROM. Anyone else who wants to distribute the FAQ on physical media should contact me at macfaq@aol.com .
Trademark Notice This publication contains the names of trademarked products. The trademarks are the property of their respective owners, and are used here only in an editorial capacity.
Disclaimer of Warranty Every attempt has been made to provide accurate information, but Leslie Jones, Softwords, and the contributors accept no responsibility for actions resulting from the use of this information. The person using this information assumes all liability. THE INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION IS PROVIDED AS IS, WITH NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.
2.00 General ClarisWorks Questions
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2.01 Where can I get Claris tech support, updaters, etc., online?
AMERICA ONLINE Keyword "claris"
APPLELINK Third Parties: Claris
CLARIS BBS Call 408-987-7421 with settings of 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit.
COMPUSERVE GO CLARIS
EWORLD Shortcut "claris"
FTP ftp.claris.com
WORLD WIDE WEB http://www.claris.com
2.02 What are the current versions and updaters?
Note: this information is for U.S. versions only. International versions are different in some cases.
4.0 series
There are free updaters available within the series. There are no free updaters from one series to another, e.g., from version 1.x to 2.x, or from version 2.x to 3.x.
2.03 What new features are in different versions?
VERSION 2.0 Paint module Slide show Outliner Improved database Shortcuts palette QuickTime support Communications phone book
VERSION 2.1 Auto-hyphenation Speech Manager and MacinTalk support PowerTalk support Excel 4.0 translator ClarisWorks 1.0 translator
VERSION 3.0 Word Count Claris Assistants Partial support for Macintosh (AKA System 7.5) Drag and Drop Fat binary: accelerated for PowerPC MacWrite Pro translator
VERSION 4.0 Character and paragraph styles in all modules except communications Sections in word processing documents WorldScript 2 for two-byte languages, such as Chinese and Japanese Dictionary import and export Endnotes Double underline text style Outline view integrated into page view HTML (World Wide Web) translator ReadyArt object-oriented clipart libraries EGO support for equation editors Free rotation of objects in one degree increments Database searches, sorts, and reports can be saved and reused Spreadsheet-like list view in database Shading in spreadsheet cells Apple Events More templates and ClarisWorks Assistants Document Summary Info
2.04 Is version 4.0 a worthwhile upgrade?
Yes. Version 4.0 adds so many new features that you're bound to find some of them valuable. My favorite new features are paragraph styles, an integrated outliner, and HTML support. Others will find sections, WorldScript 2, and AppleScript invaluable. If you often use the database, you'll like the ability to save searches, sorts and reports, and the ability to view databases in a spreadsheet-like list view. Spreadsheet jockeys will like cell shading and spreadsheet styles.
There are a few reasons you might not upgrade to version 4.0. It requires System 7.0 or later and a 68020 or higher processor (it had to happen sooner or later, folks). Version 4.0 can't save in older formats, which can be a real problem if your colleagues haven't upgraded or can't upgrade (see "2.07 Can version 4.0 saves files in older formats?"). If you're working in a cross platform environment, be aware that version 4.0 for Windows won't be out until later in 1995, and will require Windows 95.
2.05 Where can I get more XTND translators?
ClarisWorks uses Apple's XTND translator system. XTND is a standard translator format, so you can easily add third-party translators to ClarisWorks. Simply place them in the Claris Translators folder (located in the Claris folder, which is inside the System Folder).
The translator mother lode is Dataviz' MacLinkPlus. With MacLinkPlus installed, the popup menu in my Save As dialog box is two feet tall. MacLinkPlus costs about $75, and is included with some Performas.
R. Mark Fleming (markf@post.queensu.ca) has released his shareware Translation Package, which includes XTND translators for StartupScreen, Windows Bitmap (BMP), and PC PaintBrush (PCX), as well as filters for Apple File Exchange.
Leonard Rosenthal (leonardr@netcom.com) has written an HTML XTND translator named HTML+ for creating World Wide Web pages. Includes examples specifically for ClarisWorks and Nisus. Jonathan Ryan Day (jrday@eecs.umich.edu) and Brian A. Sullivan (binky@eecs.umich.edu) wrote another HTML translator named, simply, HTML XTND Translator, which includes an example for ClarisWorks. ClarisWorks 4.0 includes its own HTML translator.
Alan Coopersmith (alanc@soda.csua.berkeley.edu) wrote a TeachText XTND translator that reads and writes TeachText read-only documents (the ones with the newspaper icon).
2.06 Is there a Word 6.0 translator?
Version 8 of the MacLinkPlus translators from DataViz (800-733-0030, or 203-268-0030) includes a Word 6.0 translator. (Word 6 for the Mac and Word 6 for Windows share the same file format.)
According to a Claris rep, Claris is working on a Word 6 XTND translator that will be released before the end of 1995.
2.07 Can version 4.0 saves files in older formats?
Version 4.0 can save word processing files in version 1.0 format, but tables and graphics are lost in the conversion process. For other formats, such as paint, draw, and spreadsheet, you'll have to use intermediate formats like PICT and SYLK that fail to conserve formatting. Claris is working on XTND translators that will allow version 4.0 to save files in older formats.
I really love version 4.0, but it's amazing that Claris shipped a product with such poor backwards compatibility.
2.08 Is there a way to batch translate files in version 4.0?
Yes. Version 4.0 includes an AppleScript to translate documents created in earlier versions of ClarisWorks to version 4.0. Someone asked how one might translate a folder full of WordPerfect files to ClarisWorks format. In response, Scott Lindsey (wombat@claris.com) posted the following AppleScript for performing the conversion. If you're familiar with AppleScript, you can modify it for other purposes.
on open (fileList) repeat with theFile in every item of fileList tell application "ClarisWorks" open theFile save document 1 in file ((theFile as text) & ".wp") using "WordPerfect 2.0" close document 1 without saving end tell end repeat quit end open
2.09 How do I create default document settings?
This is in the manual, but it's one of ClarisWorks' most overlooked features. First, create or open a document of the appropriate type (word processing, drawing, etc.). Make all of your settings: font, font size, margins, outline definitions, etc. Absolutely anything you want. Then choose Save As. In the standard file dialog box, choose Stationery from the Save As popup menu (in version 4.0, click the Stationery icon). Save your document in the Claris folder (which is inside the System Folder) with the appropriate name, as follows:
Word processing ClarisWorks WP Options Spreadsheet ClarisWorks SS Options Drawing ClarisWorks DR Options Paint ClarisWorks PT Options Database ClarisWorks DB Options Communications ClarisWorks CM Options
Works will use your settings whenever you create a new document of that type. The settings do not apply when opening an existing document.
2.10 What are frames?
Frames are one of the least understood concepts in ClarisWorks. A frame allows you to embed one type of document into another.
For instance, say you want a table of numbers in your word processing document. You would move you cursor to the tools palette and select the spreadsheet tool (it's the one that looks like a fat plus sign). Then you would use the spreadsheet tool to drag out a rectangle in your word processing document. Bingo! You would then have a mini-spreadsheet that could be resized and moved.
You can place a paint, word processing, or spreadsheet frame in any document type except communications. Draw objects are handled somewhat differently. To place a draw object, you must paste it, or use the File menu's Insert command.
2.11 Why are my fonts and font menu messed up?
You've probably noticed that the font menu in ClarisWorks displays fonts in their original typeface. The font menu is actually a picture, stored in the Claris folder as a file named "Claris Fonts". When ClarisWorks launches, it checks for available fonts, then creates the Claris Fonts file.
If the Claris Fonts file becomes corrupted, the font menu may appear in gibberish. Quit all Claris applications, and move the Claris Fonts file from the Claris folder to the trash. The next time you launch ClarisWorks, it will create a fresh, uncorrupted ClarisWorks Fonts file.
If the problem persists, try disabling extensions (such as WYSIWYG Menus from Now Utilities) that alter the Font menu. If that doesn't fix things, you probably have a corrupted font. Use Disinfectant to scan your hard drive. Besides checking for viruses, Disinfectant can sometimes detect corrupted files, including corrupted fonts. Corrupted fonts can cause many problems which are extremely difficult to trace. If your fonts are corrupted, reinstall them from your original font disks. See the next section for more help with finding corrupted fonts.
ClarisWorks 4.0 includes an option in General Preferences called "Show Fonts in Font Menu" that can be turned on and off.
2.12 Why does ClarisWorks crash when I launch it?
One of your fonts is probably corrupted. Determining which font is corrupted is sometimes difficult. Try removing half of your fonts at a time, then launching ClarisWorks. Repeat. When CW stops crashing, you know that one of fonts in the last batch you removed was corrupted. Reinstall those fonts one at a time, launching ClarisWorks each time. When CW starts crashing again, you'll know that the last font you installed was corrupted. This method is called the halving technique.
If that doesn't work, the problem may be with one of your extensions or control panels. Try restarting the computer with extensions off (under System 7, restart the computer with the shift key held down to disable extensions). If the problem disappears when extensions are disabled, one of your extensions is at fault. Use the halving technique in the previous paragraph to track down the offending extension or control panel.
2.13 What is "file not found"? Why can't I do a Save As?
ClarisWorks depends on the XTND translation system and XTND translators to read and write non-ClarisWorks files, such as text files, MacPaint files, etc. If the translator system or translators are missing, you'll get a "file not found" error when trying to open documents, and you will be unable to save files in anything but ClarisWorks and ClarisWorks Stationery formats.
*Make sure there is a file named "Claris XTND System" is inside the Claris folder, which is inside the System Folder. *Make sure your translators are stored in the Claris Translators folder, which should be inside the Claris folder. *Remove any duplicate copies of translators or the Claris XTND System from the System Folder and Claris folder. *If the files are in their proper place, quit ClarisWorks, and remove the XTND Translator List file. This file is located in the Claris folder under System 6, or in the Preferences folder under System 7. *If all else fails, rebuild the desktop by holding down the command and option keys while the computer starts up. When asked if you want to rebuild the desktop, click OK. If that fails to fix the problem, reinstall ClarisWorks from the original disks.
2.14 Why do I get "not enough memory" messages?
Sometimes, these messages simply mean that your computer doesn't have enough memory (RAM) to open the applications you want to open. At other times, the message means that the application doesn't have enough RAM to open the selected document. ClarisWorks is largely RAM-based, and ships with a modest RAM allocation, so it may choke on large documents.
To increase its memory allocation, quit ClarisWorks, select the icon for the ClarisWorks application, and choose Get Info from the File menu. Increase the Preferred Size (called the Current Size prior to System 7.1). How much should you increase it? That's hard to say. Try increasing it 25% at a time until the messages go away. If increasing the RAM allocation doesn't help, decrease the allocation back to its original size.
Inserting graphics There are several tricks to placing large graphics. First, pasting the graphic may not work. Instead, choose Insert from the File menu and select the graphics file you want to insert.
Second, you'll probably need to increase the memory setting in the Get Info window to accommodate the entire document plus ClarisWorks' normal RAM requirements. So, for instance, to import a 3 MB EPS file into version 2.0, you'd need to set the preferred memory size to around four to four and a half megabytes.
2.15 General tips
*In ClarisWorks 2.0 and 3.0, Command-N is the keyboard shortcut for No in Yes/No/Cancel dialog boxes. Command-period or the escape key can be used to press Cancel buttons. Command-Y, return, and enter are the keyboard equivalents for Yes. *ClarisWorks 4.0 has numerous keyboard shortcuts for dialog boxes. Press the command key while a dialog box is onscreen to see the shortcuts. *When creating a new document, you can select the document type by using the arrow keys. You can also use the following keyboard shortcuts:
Word processing Command-1 Drawing Command-2 Painting Command-3 Spreadsheet Command-4 Database Command-5 Communications Command-6
In version 4.0, you can type the first letter or two of the document type: w for word processing, d for drawing, etc. Type "da" for database.
3.00 Word Processing
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3.01 Can ClarisWorks 1.0, 2.0, or 2.1 do word count?
Yes. Spell check the entire document, or just a selection (if you want a word count for the selection only). When ClarisWorks finishes spell checking the document, it reports the total number of words checked. That's the word count. It's a horrible kludge, but it works in a pinch. If you frequently need word counts, copy and paste the document into a text editor that does word count, such as Rich Siegel's freeware BBEdit Lite.
Version 3.0 and later include a proper word count function. ClarisWorks 4.0 can spell check the entire document, or just a selection, though many people have noted that word count in version 4.0 is quite slow. The interface is also brain dead. To count a selection, you have to count the entire document, then count the selection. There's also no keyboard shortcut.
3.02 How can I change the default font?
Create a default word processing document, as described earlier in the FAQ. When you create new word processing documents, Works will use your custom defaults. However, ClarisWorks will not use your defaults when opening an existing file. This is a pain when using ClarisWorks to open text files from the Internet, which usually need to be viewed in a monospaced font like Monaco or Courier. CW's default font is 12 point Helvetica, which is proportionally spaced.
Changing the default font with macros
Create a new macro, set it to record, then do a Select All, change the font, and stop recording. Your new macro will quickly change the font of the entire document. You can make different macros that correspond to different fonts.
Changing the default font with ResEdit
Thanks to Paolo G. Cordone (pamolo@internet-eireann.ie) for these instructions!
ResEdit is a powerful tool for modifying programs. Because it's so powerful, it has the potential to destroy files. Always use ResEdit to work on a copy of a file, never on the original file. If you received ClarisWorks with your Performa, and do not have a copy on floppy disk, you should be especially careful. ResEdit is available on most major online services, and via Internet FTP from ftp.support.apple.com .
NOTE: I've tested this on ClarisWorks 2.0, and it worked fine, but I haven't tested it on other versions. Paolo reports that it works with most newer Claris applications which have an LCAL resource.
1. Make a copy of your ClarisWorks application. 2. Launch ResEdit, and use it to open the copy of ClarisWorks. 3. Doubleclick the LCAL resource. Doubleclick 128. 4. Choose Find Offset from the Find menu. In the Find dialog box, type D and click Find. 5. In the LCAL = 128 window, offset D will be highlighted. The highlighted region should be 15. To change the font, simply type in the hex value, as listed in the table below.
Font name hex value (to be entered)
New York 02 Geneva 03 Monaco 04 Venice 05 London 06 Athens 07 San Francisco 08 Toronto 09 Cairo 0B Los Angeles 0C Times 14 Helvetica 15 Courier 16 Symbol 17 Mobile 18
*all 0's are zeroes
3.03 How do I change the default measurement?
Paolo pulls out another handy trick. Again, in the LCAL resource, using the same technique as for changing the default font, go to offset F and change the byte from 00 to the following values:
01 for Millimeters 02 for Centimeters 03 for Picas 04 for Points
The default (00) is Inches.
3.04 How do I hide and show invisible characters?
Invisible character include things such as spaces, tabs, carriage returns, and page breaks. Being able to see those characters during editing makes fast work of finding traveling tabs, spawning spaces, and recalcitrant returns.
Command-; (Command-Semi-colon) toggles between showing and hiding invisible characters. In Works 2.0 and higher, this option is also on the shortcuts palette, where it looks like a picture of an arrow and a carriage return. This is a document-specific setting, so you can have documents that show invisibles, and documents that don't. You can change the default setting in preferences.
3.05 Why is the word processor so slow?
The word processor is completely WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get). Among other things, that means that it constantly repaginates the document to make sure that lines are on the appropriate page. The constant repagination murders speed on documents of moderate size, even on fast machines.
You can reduce the repagination somewhat by using page breaks to break your document into sections. Simply choose Insert Break from the Format menu at the appropriate locations in your documents. To see the page break character, type Command-Semi-colon to make invisible characters visible. The page break character looks like an arrow pointing downward. To delete the page break, select it and press the delete key.
Yet another reason to upgrade: version 4.0 only repaginates the document to the bottom of the visible window. As a result, its scrolling speed is somewhat faster.
3.06 How do I get ClarisWorks to speak text?
ClarisWorks 2.1 and later can use Apple's Speech Manager or MacinTalk to convert text to speech. To use this option, open a word processing document and choose Edit Shortcuts from the Shortcuts submenu (under the File menu). Scroll down the list of buttons to find the lips button. Select the lips button and click Add.
Type Shift-Command-X to open the Shortcuts palette, and click the lips button to read selected text. Click the lips again to pause, and once again to resume. Type Command-period to stop.
MacinTalk and Speech Manager are available on eWorld, or via Internet ftp from ftp.support.apple.com .
3.07 How can I import and export spelling dictionaries?
In version 4.0, choose Edit menu
If you have a list of words you'd like to have in your dictionary, put them in a text file with a space between each word. Click the Import button and select the file. When ClarisWorks reports that import is complete, click the OK button to dismiss the message, then click OK again to save changes to the user dictionary.
3.08 Word Processing tips
*To quickly move selected text, press the command and option keys and click in the destination. *While spell checking a document, use Command-L for Learn, and Command-R for Replace. *Double clicking selects a word, triple clicking selects a line, and quadruple clicking selects a paragraph. *Before pasting a graphic, select the Draw tool from the Tools palette. (If you don't see the Tools palette, choose Show Tools from the View menu. The Draw tool is in the upper left hand corner, and is shaped like a large arrow.) When you paste the graphic, ClarisWorks will treat it like a graphic element instead of a text element. Graphic elements can be placed with greater flexibility. (On the other hand, if you're writing HTML pages, you don't want to do this. Instead, make sure the text tool is selected before pasting graphics.) *Use the Insert Date and Insert Time commands to put date and time stamps in your document. Works will automatically update the date and time whenever you open the document.
4.00 Spreadsheet
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4.01 What's the spreadsheet rounding problem?
The material below is from the Claris tech info library on America Online. I haven't determined which versions of ClarisWorks are affected.
ClarisWorks: Calculated Cells Showing Round-Off Errors
Updated: 93-03-04 Document ID:
Problem:
A calculated cell (e.g. =300-299.73) that has a Number format of General may display as 2.6999999e-1 or 0.26999999999999999 when 0.27 is expected.
Solution:
Use Number... from the Format menu to format the cell as Fixed.
Cause:
Calculating the difference between two large numbers that is in the range of -1 to 1 may produce results that are slightly off. This is due to the fact that ClarisWorks relies on the Standard Apple Numerics Environment (SANE) for it's computations and there are some precision related problems in SANE that ClarisWorks does not correct for.
Updated: 8/3/92 Copyright 1992 TechInfo ID ADBEH921973480
4.02 Can I search for empty cells and replace them with something?
No.
4.03 Spreadsheet tips
*To quickly move selected cells, press the command and option keys and click in the destination cell. *When scrolling, it's easy to lose track of column headers. Select the cells you want to remain stationary, and choose Lock Title Position from the Options menu. The headers will stay in place while the rest of the cells scroll. *When opening a text file, you'll need to set the document type to Spreadsheet. Otherwise, ClarisWorks is likely to open the file as a word processing document or database document.
5.00 Drawing
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5.01 What's the difference between painting and drawing?
Paint documents are bitmaps. Each point in the painting is black, white, red, blue, or what have you. Paint documents are like working with ink and paper. Once you've drawn something, the only way to remove it is to erase it. You can't easily resize objects, or change their fill color. Paint documents have limited resolution, and look jagged when printed.
Draw documents consist of individual objects. Each object is mathematically defined. You can resize the object, change its fill color, fill pattern, or fill gradient, or adjust the color, thickness, and style of lines. You can delete entire objects without affecting other objects. Text is fully editable, and prints at the maximum resolution of your printer. Draw documents use less disk space and RAM than equivalent paint documents.
In general, use draw documents whenever possible, particularly for text. Use paint documents only when you need a tool or effect that isn't available in the draw layer. Even then you may want to create a paint frame within your draw document.
5.02 Why doesn't text wrap work in my draw documents?
Frame Links is turned off in the Options menu. Turn it on.
5.03 Why does rotated text print so badly?
When printing to a QuickDraw printer (such as a StyleWriter or DeskWriter), the text will be printed as a 72 dpi bitmap. This also occurs with PostScript laser printers when the file has been saved as a PICT. In these situations, Claris recommends placing the text in a paint frame within the draw document. Before typing the text, set the paint frame to the printer's maximum resolution using the Resolution and Depth command in the Format menu.
Maximum resolutions for various printers: ImageWriters: 144 dpi in Best mode DeskWriters: 300 dpi Laserwriters: usually either 300 or 600 dpi; consult owner's manual StyleWriters: 360 dpi
5.04 How can I remove the border around imported graphics?
Dlh94@aol.com wrote:
"Objects made with certain ClarisWorks Draw tools, or Clip Art created in some programs such as ClarisDraw and imported into ClarisWorks, may print with unexpected borders or outlines. For instance, this is true with the HP DeskWriter 550C printer, even when the outline width has been set to "None" and no border shows on the screen. These unwanted borders may be eliminated by converting the object to PICT form. There are several ways to do this. One way is to do a Save As... with separate files containing each offending object, and choose PICT format in each case. Close the files, then open them and use the converted objects. The easiest method may be to cut the selected graphics to the Clipboard, paste them one by one into the Scrapbook, cut them from there and paste them into the desired document. This procedure converts graphics to PICT, and they will then print without the unexpected border. Converting to PICT form seems to cure a number of other ClarisWorks graphics ills, too."
5.05 Drawing tips
*Drawing objects are automatically snapped to invisible grid points. The autogrid makes neat drawing effortless, but allows only rough graphics positioning. For finer graphics placement, choose Turn Autogrid Off from the Options menu, or type Command-Y. *The selection rectangle normally selects objects which it completely encloses. With the command key pressed, the selection rectangle will select partially-enclosed objects. *ClarisWorks sometimes has trouble pasting large graphics, and reports that it's out of memory. To insert large graphics, use the Insert command under the File menu. This also works in other document types. *The Align Objects command is a terrific way to precisely align objects. It's one of my favorite features in the whole program. To use it, select objects you want aligned, then choose the Align Objects command under the Arrange menu. *Use your keyboard's arrow keys to nudge selected objects. *After drawing an object with, say, the circle tool, the arrow tool becomes active. To draw another circle, you'll have to select the circle tool again. Yawn. To keep the circle tool or any other tool selected, doubleclick it.
6.00 Paint
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6.01 Why do I get out of memory messages in paint documents?
You'll often get out of memory messages when trying to increase the resolution. Basically, ClarisWorks is good for 72 dpi work, and nothing better. If you're using 72 dpi and still get out of memory messages, quit ClarisWorks, and increase the memory allocation in the Get Info window.
6.02 Why can I open some GIFs and not others?
Bill Swagerty (clarislib@aol.com) wrote:
"The GIF XTND translator included with ClarisWorks 2.0 only supports the GIF 87A standard. Trying to open an 89A type GIF file will result in a message that the translator could not read the file. Other GIF types may not appear in the Open dialog."
"You can convert these GIF files to the ClarisWorks-compatible GIF format by using GIFConverter. This is a shareware program available from online services (AOL, CompuServe, etc.) and from user groups. To do this: 1- Open the GIF file in GIFConverter 2- Choose Save As 3- Click the Options button 4- Click the checkbox for "87A compatibility" 5- Click OK 6- Name the file, then click Save
"This file can now be opened or inserted into ClarisWorks."
6.03 Paint tips
*Double clicking the pencil tool toggles between 100% and 800% views. *The text, pen, and fill color palettes are normally limited to 81 choices. To get a larger palette, choose Preferences from the Edit menu, click the Palettes icon, and select Editable 256 Color Palette. While you're at it, click the Load Palette button and explore the palettes. 16 Hues is my favorite. These palettes are also available for the other document types. *For fine editing work, choose New View from the View menu. ClarisWorks will create a second window identical to the first. In the original window, set the magnification to 800%. Now arrange the two windows so that both are visible. As you edit the original, magnified window, you can see the changes take effect at normal size in the second view.
7.00 Database
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7.01 Can I open FileMaker databases in ClarisWorks, and vice versa?
No. They don't open each other's files directly.
If you need to exchange information between the two, you'll need to save the database in an intermediate format, such as text, DBF, DIF, SYLK, etc. These intermediate formats preserve the data and field definitions, but not the layouts. DIF preserves the field names, text does not.
ClarisWorks to FileMaker
Open the database and choose Save As from the ClarisWorks File menu. In the Save As popup menu, choose DIF.
Now launch FileMaker Pro and create a database with the same field names that were in the ClarisWorks database. They don't have to have the same names, but it will certainly make things easier. Then choose Import Records from the File menu's Import/Export submenu to import the text file. FileMaker will present a dialog box that allows you to match field names.
FileMaker to ClarisWorks
Open the database. You must select the records you want to export by using finds and omits. To export all records, do a Find All (Command-J). Then choose Export Records from the File menu's Import/Export submenu.
ClarisWorks doesn't have an import function per se. You'll have to choose Open from the ClarisWorks File menu, set the Document Type popup menu to Database (this is important), and open the text file. If you used DIF format, ClarisWorks will have the correct field names. Otherwise, the fields will be named Field1, Field2, etc., and you'll need to rename them.
7.02 What's the difference between FileMaker Pro and ClarisWorks database?
Oh, there's just a whole lot of differences. If you're serious about databases, get FileMaker Pro. As a registered ClarisWorks users, you can upgrade to FileMaker for $99. A FileMaker demo is available from the Claris support areas on various online services.
Here are some of the differences:
*FileMaker is generally faster. *FileMaker has much better import/export features. *FileMaker has its own scripting language. Scripts can automate a series of complicated tasks, such as finding, sorting, copying, pasting, printing, and much more. Scripts can be assigned keyboard shortcuts, or connected to buttons. *You can create a button-driven interface in FileMaker. Buttons can be defined to do a single function, such as sorting or changing layouts, or they can activate scripts. *FileMaker has password security. You can protect the whole file, or you can create users with different passwords and different access levels. So, for instance, some users would only be able to read the database, others could read and edit data, others could define fields and modify layouts, etc. *FileMaker is networkable. A database can be stored on one machine, and accessed by other machines on the network. Multiple users can access and edit the database simultaneously. FileMaker is smart enough to prevent two users from editing the same record at the same time (record locking). *One FileMaker database can automatically look up data from other FileMaker databases. This gives it some of the abilities of a relational database. *FileMaker has repeating fields. *FileMaker can be scripted with AppleScript events. *FileMaker fields can include pictures or sounds.
7.03 How can I merge multiple databases?
Save the databases in a text format, such as tab-delimited or DIF. Then open your a database and use the File menu's Insert command to select the individual text databases. Thanks to Joel Slade (joles3@aol.com) for pointing out this feature.
7.04 Database tips
*When opening a text file, you'll need to set the document type to Database. Otherwise, ClarisWorks is likely to open the file as a word processing document. *Getting the city, state, and zip code to look right on a mailing label can be tricky. To make it easier, create a calculation field that concatenates the city, state, and zip code fields. The formula is <City & ", " & State & " " & Zip>. *Concatenation fields are useful for all sorts of things. For instance, create a Full Name field that concatenates the first, middle, and last name fields. When you need to search for a name, you can search the Full Name field without knowing if the name is the person's first, middle, or last. *When designing a database, it's a good practice to include a creation date field and a modification date field. Simply create two new date fields named Created and Modified. In Options, select the Auto Entry option for Variable for Creation Date or Modified Date, as appropriate. *Another good database habit is to assign a unique numeric ID to each record. Create a new number field called ID Number. Select Options, and choose Serial Number.
8.00 Communications
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Even though this was section written for ClarisWorks, it applies to almost any program that uses the Communications Toolbox, such as SITcomm, VersaTerm, etc.
8.01 What is the Communications Toolbox (CTB)?
The Communications Toolbox (CTB) is Apple's attempt to standardize the tools and interface for Macintosh telecommunications. Many recent Mac telecom programs, including ClarisWorks, use the CTB. Because CTB programs have a similar interface, it's easy for the user to move from one to the other. Because CTB tools are standardized and modular, you can mix and match tools from different programs, and add functionality to a program by adding more tools.
There are four aspects to the CTB:
Port manager Used to locate non-standard ports, such as the internal modem in a PowerBook. An application that uses the CTB port manager is said to be CTB aware. An application can use the port manager without using CTB tools. ZTerm is an example of such a program.
Connection manager Controls the connection of your computer to another computer, usually through a modem, but some tools allow connection across local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). An example is the Apple Modem Tool included with ClarisWorks.
Terminal manager Controls the appearance of information onscreen. An example is the VT102 tool included with ClarisWorks.
File Transfer manager Controls the transfer of files between your computer and the host computer. Examples include the XMODEM and Kermit tools included with ClarisWorks.
Use of the CTB with System 6 requires the the CTB init. System 7 includes built-in support for the CTB, and only the tools are necessary. Under System 6, CTB tools are stored in the Communications folder inside the System Folder. Under System 7, CTB tools are stored in the Extensions folder inside the System Folder. Note, however, that CTB tools aren't really extensions. They're external code stored in the Extensions folder so that programs can easily find them.
8.02 Why isn't there a setting for 14400 or 28800?
Surprisingly few telecommunications programs offer a 14400 setting, though that seems to be changing. Even fewer offer 28800. If you're using a 14.4 modem to call another 14.4 modem, set the speed to 19200 or faster. If you're using a 28.8 modem to call another 28.8 modem, use 38400 or faster.
When you select a speed in a telecommunications program, you're setting the speed between your computer and your modem (the DTE speed, sometimes called the port speed). The actual speed between your modem and the other modem (the DCE speed, sometimes called the carrier speed or connect speed) may be lower. Normally, you set the DTE speed in the software higher than the actual DCE speed. With 14400 bps and 28800 bps modems, it's common to set the DTE speed to 38400 or 57600.
8.03 How do I change the modem initialization string?
Choose Connection from the Settings menu. Make sure Apple Modem Tool is selected. From the Modem popup menu, choose Modify this menu. If your modem is listed, doubleclick it. Otherwise, click Add to create an entry for your modem. ClarisWorks will present a dialog box for editing the init string.
8.04 Why don't the arrow keys work on my PowerBook?
It's a bug in Apple's VT102 Tool. madole@aol.com wrote a fix, though it requires ResEdit to install. You can find this and other useful Communications Toolbox goodies at MarkSpace Softworks FTP site at ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/ms/mspace . MarkSpace even makes their goodies in French and German versions. ResEdit is available on major online services, and via FTP from ftp.support.apple.com .
8.05 Why does my Power Mac crash with an error of -11?
Someone posted this answer from on Usenet. It appears to be from the Claris Tech Info database.
When trying to open a saved communications document on a Power Mac under System 7.5, where the Express Modem Tool was selected as the communications connection, the document will not open and will generate an error of -11. Claris does not provide the Express Modem Tool as part of the ClarisWorks package and has not tested or certified its compatibility with ClarisWorks.
ClarisWorks 3.0 does save and open communications documents properly when using the Apple Modem Tool 1.5.3. This tool also fully supports the Express Modem. The recommended settings are as follows:
Modem: Apple Express Modem Error Correction: Optional Correction Type: Hardware Baud: 19,200 if connecting to an auto baud modem otherwise match modem speeds if 9600 or slower Handshake: DTR&CTS Port:Modem Parity, Stop: Determined by connection
8.06 How can I emulate a control key on a Mac Plus?
Jim Spelman (Jim_Spelman@iguanabbs.com) recommended using a macro. You would need to record the macro on a computer with a control key, then move the document with the macro back to the Mac Plus.
8.07 How can I type AT commands to the modem?
First, choose Connection from the Settings menu and choose Serial Tool from the Method popup menu. Then choose Open Connection from the Session menu. If you've done everything right, the modem will respond with OK when you type AT and press the return key.
8.08 Where can I get new file transfer tools (ZModem, YModem, etc.)?
Glenn Howes' YModem Tool GH and Brian Hall's Mark/Space ZMODEM Tool demo are widely available on the networks. The ZMODEM Tool demo allows unlimited downloading, but no uploading, and includes instructions for ordering the full version. There's even a $10 discount for members of the ClarisWorks Users Group.
8.09 Where can I get new connection tools (Telnet, etc.)?
Tim Endries' TGE TCP Tool is widely available.
8.10 Where can I get new terminal tools (VT220, etc.)?
There is a demo of a VT420/ANSI tool available online.
8.11 Communications tips
*The Apple Modem Tool is slow to dial and slow to hang up. The Hayes Modem Tool is much faster, and is available wherever you find Mac freeware and shareware. *I love ClarisWorks, but I prefer ZTerm for communications work. ZTerm is shareware, and offers VT100, ANSI, X-, Y-, and Z-modem, Kermit, scripting, and macros. I keep the latest version of ZTerm and the ZTerm FAQ at my FTP site , and on my web page .
9.00 HTML and the World Wide Web
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9.01 Where do I start?
There's a file in the ClarisWorks 4.0 folder called HTML Primer. You should read that file from beginning to end.
You may also want to download this version of the ClarisWorks FAQ, which is marked up for HTML. I distribute the ClarisWorks FAQ in two formats: plain text format, and ClarisWorks 4.0 format. You want the the ClarisWorks 4.0 version. The URL is ftp://members.aol.com/clarisworks-faq.sit .
To create a new HTML document, launch ClarisWorks, click the Use Assistant or Stationery checkbox, and choose Internet from the category menu. The WWW (HTML) Document stationery will be preselected. Click OK to open it.
The stationery document looks like any other word processing document. You won't notice anything different until you open the shortcuts palette (Command-Shift-X) and stylesheets palette (Command-Shift-W).
In the shortcuts palette, the Link button is used to create hypertext links. The HR button is used to make horizontal rules (lines), and the bullet button is used to create bulleted text.
In the stylesheets palette, you'll see the HTML styles below.
Style Name HTML equivalent Effect
*Literal text is used for raw HTML code that you've typed or pasted into your document. This allows you to use HTML features that ClarisWorks doesn't provide. **Footnote index is used for the footnotes that ClarisWorks uses for hypertext links.
9.02 Are there any HTML translators for pre-4.0 versions?
Yes. See section "2.05 Where can I get more XTND translators?".
9.03 What are the best tools for converting PICTs to GIFs?
HTML files are pure text files. If your ClarisWorks file includes any pictures, the pictures will be saved out as individual picture files when you convert your document to HTML. (The pictures will still be present in the original document.) The HTML document will include pointers to the picture files.
ClarisWorks saves the pictures as PICT files with a filename extension of ".pict". No web browser that I'm familiar with can read PICT files. The only picture format common to all web browsers is GIF. After converting your ClarisWorks file to HTML, you'll need to convert the individual picture files to GIF format.
There are two excellent tools for converting PICTs to GIFs: clip2gif and GraphicConverter. Yves Pigeut's clip2gif can convert files manually, via drag and drop, or via AppleScript. clip2gif converts the original file to GIF format, and changes the filename extension from .pict to .gif.
GraphicConverter's Convert More option can quickly convert a folder full of files from one format to another, changing the filename extension in the process. Be sure to explore the Options setting. You can shift-click to select multiple files.
9.04 Why do my pictures have ugly backgrounds? (Transparency)
Most web browsers use a grey background. Whitespace in your pictures will create a rectangular frame around inline graphics. To get around that, you need to use a transparent background color in your GIFs.
clip2gif, mentioned earlier, can make GIFs with transparent backgrounds. The nice thing about clip2gif is that one drag and drop operation can convert a PICT to GIF and set the transparency, all in one step.
Thorsten Lemke's GraphicConverter can also make GIFs transparent. From the Picture menu, choose Colors
Finally, Transparency by Aaron Giles (of JPEGview fame) can create transparent GIFs.
9.05 Why didn't ClarisWorks translate my pictures?
ClarisWorks will convert anchored pictures, but not free-floating pictures. How can you tell the difference? Select the picture with your mouse. If there are black handles in all four corners, it's a free-floating picture. If there is only one black handle located in the lower right corner, the picture is anchored.
To convert free-floating pictures to anchored pictures, select the picture, and choose Cut from the File menu. Show the Tools (Command-Shift-T). Make sure the text tool (the large A) is selected, and choose Paste from the Edit menu.
9.06 Why is my line spacing all screwed up?
When you view your document via a web browser, you may see unexpected line spacing (whitespace). In HTML, there are two tags for ending a paragraph: <BR> (break), and <P> (paragraph). A break tag creates a new paragraph without leaving a blank line. A paragraph tag creates a new paragraph, leaving a blank line between the two paragraphs.
You control this behavior in ClarisWorks using the Paragraph menu item in the Format menu. If the Space After setting for a paragraph is set to zero, the carriage return at the end of the paragraph creates a break tag. If the Space After setting for a paragraph is any non-zero number (1, 2, 3, etc.), the carriage return at the end of the paragraph produces a paragraph tag.
To make quick work of changing the line spacing behavior, I created a new paragraph style called Break, and set the Space After setting to 0. I apply that paragraph style to any paragraphs that I want to be followed by a break tag instead of a paragraph tag.
9.07 How can I change the title of my HTML documents?
World Wide Web browsers display the page's name at the top of the browser window. When saving a document as HTML, ClarisWorks uses the file's name as the title. For whatever reason, you may want the title to be different than the file name.
To change the title, save the page as HTML and close it. Now open the file. In the Open dialog, choose Text from the File Type popup menu. ClarisWorks will open the file as a plain text file, with all HTML codes in plain sight. Near the top of the document, you'll see a title line like this:
<TITLE>ClarisWorks FAQ.html</TITLE>
The title is everything between the <TITLE> tags.( Most if not all Web browsers ignore the ".html" suffix.) Change the title to whatever you like. Then choose Save. Here's the trick to making this work: in the Save dialog box, set the Save As popup menu to Text. If you choose the WWW format, it won't work.
9.08 How can I control what text becomes hypertext?
When you insert a hypertext link in a paragraph, ClarisWorks makes all of the text to the left of the insertion point into hypertext. To control this, select the text you want to be hypertext, then click the Link button in the shortcuts palette. The selected hypertext will appear underlined and in color. ________________________________________________________________________