MacDraw Pro files can be converted to ClarisDraw for Windows or ClarisImpact for Windows format using the Claris utility, Convert2DOS. MacDraw II files can also be converted using other methods.

This information was provided by Claris Corporation on 16 March 1998, and incorporated into Apple Computer's Tech Info Library.

CONVERTING MACDRAW PRO FILES:

The MacDraw Pro utility, Convert2DOS, is a Macintosh application which changes MacDraw Pro files into Windows format by splitting them into a data file (with an 8 character name plus the .MDP extension) and a resource file (with the identical name except for a .RES extension.). Your original MacDraw Pro files are not altered; Convert2DOS reads these files and creates new files which then can be converted.

Convert2DOS works with files from all versions of MacDraw Pro, but does not work with MacDraw II files. To convert MacDraw II files, save them within MacDraw II as Color PICT2. If you no longer have MacDraw II, import the files into an application which can open these files on the Macintosh, then save them as PICT. Once saved on a PC formatted disk on the Mac, these files can then be opened by ClarisDraw or ClarisImpact for Windows.

The converter is available in the Software Libraries of all of our online services under the Miscellaneous Mac category. Because the file is a Macintosh self-extracting archive, it should be downloaded directly to a Macintosh. Downloading the file to a Windows machine can cause issues when trying to extract it on a Macintosh.

NOTE: The application, Convert2DOS, does not run on the Windows platform. It must be run on a Macintosh.

Convert2DOS is most useful if you do not have ClarisDraw or ClarisImpact for Macintosh. If you have ClarisDraw or ClarisImpact for Macintosh, you do not need to use Convert2DOS. You can open your MacDraw Pro files in ClarisDraw or ClarisImpact for Macintosh, then save them with the proper extension (.CID for Claris Impact and . CDD for ClarisDraw). Your ClarisDraw or ClarisImpact for Macintosh files can then be copied to a DOS-formatted disk and read directly by ClarisDraw or ClarisImpact for Windows.

System Requirements:
* a Mac, Power Mac or equivalent with a 68030 processor or better
* a high-density floppy drive
* System 7.x
* PC Exchange or Apple File Exchange
* 50 K of free disk space plus space for the converted files
* 2.5 MB of RAM for the application (more for optimum performance)

Download Sites:
< http://www.claris.com/software/graphics/Convert2DOS.sea.hqx >
< ftp://ftp.claris.com/pub/USA-Macintosh/x.misc/Convert2DOS.sea.hqx >

America Online: keyword Claris - Software Libraries
CompuServe: Go Claris


CONVERTING MACDRAW II FILES:

Convert2DOS works with files from all versions of MacDraw Pro, but does not work with MacDraw II files. To convert MacDraw II files, save them within MacDraw II as Color PICT2. If you no longer have MacDraw II, import the files into an application which can open these files on the Macintosh (such as ClarisWorks) , then save them as PICT. Once saved to a PC formatted disk on the Mac, these files can then be opened by ClarisDraw or ClarisImpact for Windows.