I've added a few notes to Jared's comments. On Wed, May 13, 2009 at 12:26 PM, Jared Crawford <jare...@yahoo.com> wrote: > > Hi, Laurie. > >> since we're the ones who will be converting the old docs/maintaining etc. > > It sounds like you have existing content in FrameMaker format, which is not a > deal breaker but it does take time to put such content into InDesign files. > > If you want to talk your client out of using InDesign, you should probably > point to the effort needed to convert the existing content and InDesign's > learning curve.
Depending on the existing layouts, MIF Filter, a dtptools.com ID plug-in, may solve the conversion issues with varying degrees of fuss and attention. You can download and use it as much as you like, to evaluate its conversions for your needs; it's not time-limited, nor crippled in conversion features. However, to save, print, export to PDF, or otherwise use the converted ID files, you need to buy page credits. The more credits you buy at one time, the less the unit cost, like phone minutes. There's also a free FM-to-MIF batch conversion tool that's not crippled or limited in any way. In my InDesign Magazine review of MIF Filter, I gave it high marks for accurately converting unfancy well-constructed FM documents. However, some FM features have no exact ID counterparts; for example, run-in paragraphs and side headings. These are converted with whatever fudging is necessary to visually match the FM layouts. If editing the converted documents causes text to reflow, you may need to give individual attention to these simulated FM features. > Template design is non-trivial. If you have an existing FrameMaker template, > it could save a lot of time to just continue using it. One affordable conversion strategy might be to purchase enough page credits to convert the FM template(s) with MIF Filter, and work it (them) into shape. You can save FM content as RTF, or convert it to RTF with MIF2GO, and place the RTF into your customized ID version of the FM template(s). > > I am a technical writer and used FrameMaker for about ten years before my > current position, where I use InDesign CS3. Based on my experience with both > tools and what I've read about InDesign CS4, I agree with Peter and Art's > perspective. HTH Regards, Peter Gold KnowHow ProServices _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to Framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to fram...@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.