AppleWorks word processing files from PowerPC G4 10.4.11 to new Intel Lion 10.7.5 iMac ?

Question

I have only previously had a PowerPC G4 (still working) and have a number of files on AppleWorks ' word processing '.
I have recently invested in only my second computer ( Intel iMac Lion 10.7.4 ), and have discovered AppleWorks has been defunct since 2006 !
How can I export them from the G4, hopefully in a form they can still be edited and printed, rather than just as inaccessible archives ?

Answer 1

The only program which can actually open AppleWorks word processing documents is Apple's Pages, part of the iWork suite and available singly through the Mac App Store (however it will not open AppleWorks 5 documents, only Appleworks 6). This is the nearest thing available to AppleWorks for drawing and word processing: you can insert pictures and draw objects, and create complex layouts - indeed a number of attractive templates are provided. On the whole it will open AppleWorks word processing documents correctly, even when they embed images and drawings. The text display is better, particularly of small font sizes; and there are more options for handling images, such as shadows and reflections.
More information here: http://www.wilmut.webspace.virginmedia.com/notes/aw/page2.html
As to the other document types:
Draw Documents can be opened directly only in EazyDraw (the more expensive version from their website, not the cheaper one from the Mac App Store, and you will need v4.0 'Retro' not the most recent version) or Intaglio (though this appears not to be able to handle very complex drawings).
Spreadsheets can be opened directly only in Numbers.
Presentations can be opened directly only in Keynote.
Nothing will open Databases or Paint documents.