This "QuickStart Card" shows you how to translate files (retaining original formatting) between different Mac and PC file formats, as well as between different Macintosh formats, using MacLinkPlus/Easy Open Translators™. MacLinkPlus/Easy Open Translators is a software package that is specially bundled with this Macintosh. For more detailed info, and a list of the word processing, spreadsheet, graphics and database formats supported, please refer to the read me titled "What translators are included" in the MacLinkPlus folder.
1. Insert a PC disk into your Mac or double-click on a file server icon.
2. Find the file that you want to translate.
Disk users: DOS directories will appear as Macintosh folders.
You may want to copy the PC file off of the server or disk before translating (this will speed up the translation process).
3. Double-Click on the PC file.
You will be presented with the Macintosh® Easy Open dialog box (below). It will list all applications on your hard drive that can open the PC file with the help of the MacLinkPlus translation library. The choices you see will vary depending on what software you have on your Mac. Simply double-click on the application you prefer.
4. MacLinkPlus will then translate the file into the application that you selected, maintaining its original formatting (i.e., bold, italics, footers, etc., and even tables and embedded graphics in some cases). You will see a status bar similar to this:
5. At the end of the translation, the appropriate application will launch and open your new, translated file.
Once the file is translated, treat it as if it were originally created in that application (edit, save, etc.). Note: The file will open into an "Untitled" window and must be saved.
1. Open the MacLinkPlus folder.
2. Make a duplicate of the "Document Converter" (use "Duplicate" from the File menu).
3. Double-click on "Document Converter copy". This screen will appear:
4. Find the PC or Mac application/format that you want to translate your file into.
5. Highlight your choice and click “SET”.
The Document Converter copy will be renamed “to [application/format].” You can rename it if you wish.
6. Drag the file (or entire folder) that you want to translate over this newly named icon.
7. MacLinkPlus will convert the file(s) into the appropriate PC (or Mac) format and place the converted document in the same folder as that "Document Converter".
Note: If you are translating into a PC format, make sure the file name does not exceed the 8-character limit imposed by DOS.
8. Repeat steps 1-7 each time you need to translate into a new kind of file format. You can make as many Document Converters as you need.
If you are having problems converting files, try the following:
• Delete the Macintosh Easy Open Preferences in the Preferences folder in the System Folder
• Rebuild the desktop (restart with option and command keys down) to reset Macintosh Easy Open.
• If you have difficulty using Method #1, try using Method #2, the Document Converter method. This method works when translating to Mac and PC file formats.
• Make sure there are no DOS extensions or suffixes assigned or mapped to Mac applications (see info on Macintosh PC Exchange™ or network software documentation)
If you need technical support, call 203-268-0030 or email us at techsupport@dataviz.com.