ChiWriter FAQ

ChiWriter is a scientific word processor that was sold by Horstmann Software Design Corporation between 1986 and 1996.

As of July 1, 1996. ChiWriter is no longer sold or supported.

Can I legally run ChiWriter?

Yes. It is now in the public domain.

How do I get the software?

Here is what I have: Version 3 | Version 4. Both run on a DOS emulator such as DOSBox-X. No handholding—you are completely on your own.

I need a serial number

Try this one: C47184-OXPS8J

How do I convert a ChiWriter file to PDF?

First, install the PostScript printer driver and fonts from the original distribution disks.

In ChiWriter 4, do the following.

  1. Print|Settings. Switch to the PSCRIPT.PRN printer driver.
  2. Print|Options. Select Print to file and Go.
  3. This creates a file yourdoc.BIN. Rename it to yourdoc.PS

In ChiWriter 3, do the following.

  1. Print|Change Printer. Switch to the PSCRIPT.PRN printer driver.
  2. Print|To file. Select yourdoc.BIN as the file name
  3. Print|Go.
  4. This creates a file yourdoc.BIN. Open a DOS window and execute the following command: 
    CD \CHIWRITE\DOC (or whereever your document is stored)
COPY \CHIWRITE\PSCRIPT\INIT.PS+\CHIWRITE\PSCRIPT\*.PSF+yourdoc.BIN yourdoc.PS

Then convert to PDF with a tool such as ps2pdf

How do I convert a ChiWriter file to TeX?

Sadly, there is no good way to do it. There used to be a somewhat functional ChiWriter to TeX converter, but it has been lost in the mists of time. Export to ASCII and rekey the symbols and equations in TeX.

Are there other fonts?

Try this page.

Is there a manual?

Sadly, I am not aware of any formatted manual in English. You can read these manual files in ChiWriter. This page has user and reference manuals in French.

I don't understand the directions about running ChiWriter or creating a PostScript file. Can you give me further help?

No.