More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
Dear framers: I must add that I have found another disadvantage to buying TCS4, especially if you are a first-time buyer. TCS4 does not include Photoshop, whereas TCS2 does, or did. I must confess that I find it odd that Adobe and not a single reviewer has mentioned this. If you are a student, it would be better to buy TCS2, even though Adobe has stopped support for this product. To sum up. Framemaker 11 has been upgraded for structured documentation not unstructured. 1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. 2. Forget about online support. 3. Do without Photoshop. 4. Forget about timely patches As a user of many programs over the years, what I see here is a drastic cutting down of FrameMaker Perhaps the FrameMaker accountants are fighting with the programmers and engineers. Less is more. I believe that FM is a great product, but the writing is on the wall. The view from Norton: Few users: slightly unstable. Rob Shell Windows Seven FrameMaker 9 patched 4 GB RAM 3 TB hd ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
RE: zoom freedom!
I believe that has always been the case. I started back with Frame 3. Setting the zoom to 1600 was one way of getting around the problem of the screen display not really being like the printout, so I have often used this when precise positioning is needed. Your picked setting always replaced one of the ones in the presets for that session. Craig But I just discovered that you can type any number you like in the zoom box where FM 11 lists only 25/50/80/100. Clicking the zoom level selects the contents, and you can type something like 521, hit enter, and get that magnification. Numbers larger than 1600 are replaced by 1600; less than 25 are replaced by 25. So even though Adobe forgot to include all the old familiar sizings and the Set command on FM 11's zoom picker, you can quickly get whatever size you need. Works in 9 and 10, too. ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
RE: Document Revision Control
We used to routinely save books of 1000+ and 2000+ pages into RCS as MIF. It's true that the diffs were so many that they were useless as a way of seeing what changed. But since we couldn't save the binaries in that environment, we had to use MIF for revision control. And storage was (is!) cheap. Craig And .mif files can take up more than seven times as much space as .fm files -- if they contain as much changed information as Chris says, then versioning .mif files to save space is highly counterproductive! ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
Acrobat X pdfs produced by FM10 remain open
Framers, I'm using Acrobat X in tandem with Framemaker 10 to produce PDFs (thus the posting here). Over that last couple of days Acrobat leaves the files locked after I produce and view and close the files in Acrobat. (The system says the file is still open in Acrobat when I try to replace it.) This also prevents renaming the files. The only solution to close the files is to shut down the computer; logging the user off and logging back on does not work. Anybody else seeing this? Any solutions? Previously my Acrobat X has worked fine except for the brief period in early August when Adobe turned off my Acrobat one month after I installed CS6, which had not installed Acrobat X because I already had it installed since 2/11 when I installed Tech Suite 3 on this computer. Talk about punishing early adopters of their products. Sheesh! That only took a couple hours to untangle! Any help would be appreciated. Dov? Thanks. Craig ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
RE: copying Save as HTML settings from one FM10 file to another
Original Message From: John Sgammato jsgamm...@imprivata.com Date: Tue, September 25, 2012 12:37 pm Does anyone know if there is a way to copy the Save as HTML settings from one unstructured FM10 file to another? I don’t want to go through the whole procedure again for every document! I don't have FM10, but I thought I'd investigate for you in FM 8. My basic notion was save source as MIF, find its HTML Output settings, and copy them over the target file (also saved as MIF). From what I can tell, then HTML settings are baked into every Pgf Format that has relevant settings (ex: page break at heading levels X; indent levels of list pgf formats, etc.). So you'd either have to find each added line in the Pgf formatting in the source MIF and add it to the target MIF (at the appropriate point in the markup)... or just redo them in the FM GUI. My big question: could you use a common template, set the HTML settings on the template, then import the relevant elements (pgf, char, tables, footnotes) to any doc that needs it? Perhaps your styles are not consistent between source and target docs? If so... you gotta do the GUI setup for each differently-styled doc, ideally in a template from which you can import formats to any/all affected docs with the same styles. Good luck! David ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
RE: copying Save as HTML settings from one FM10 file to another
Or, yeah... do what Rick said. *blush* But even THAT only works if you have consistent style names between source and target. *sheepishly shuffle away* David Original Message Subject: RE: copying Save as HTML settings from one FM10 file to another From: Rick Quatro r...@rickquatro.com Date: Tue, September 25, 2012 1:09 pm To: 'John Sgammato' jsgamm...@imprivata.com, framers@lists.frameusers.com Hi John, The information is stored on a document's reference pages, so you should be able to use File Import Formats to import the reference pages from one document to another. Rick ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
RE: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Rob Shell Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 12:23 PM Subject: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop I must add that I have found another disadvantage to buying TCS4, especially if you are a first-time buyer. TCS4 does not include Photoshop, whereas TCS2 does, or did I must confess that I find it odd that Adobe and not a single reviewer has mentioned this. If you really need Photoshop, I understand you. If you think of typical technical documentation use cases, RoboScreenCapture and Illustrator which are included instead of Photoshop (!!) are the better choice. . 1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. You refer to a bug, which is really annoying, but printing the book in structured mode might be a suitable workaround for the short. Save the book as PDF file is working in unstructured mode. 2. Forget about online support. Why? Online support always is a combination of official Adobe feedback and customer feedback from all over the world. While an official Adobe feedback always will have to take into account side effects and therefore must be careful with hastily tips and workarounds, a lot of well-known experts in framers are giving fast and valuable feedback to almost any problem. 3. Do without Photoshop. Most technical documentation use cases don't deal with CMYK so I think cheap software or freeware (Photoshop Elements, IrfanView...) should fulfill the demands. For screenshots RoboScreenCapture (which is good) is included in TCS4. A lot of customers asked for switching from Photoshop to Illustrator which is now included in TCS4. 4. Forget about timely patches Why? The Adobe TCS team is always seeking dedicated contact to TCS customers, and while I hate bugs like a plague Adobe delivers patches as soon as possible. O.K. The Adobe team might think about a similar approach like Microsoft in order to establish hotfixes beside regular patches. As a user of many programs over the years, what I see here is a drastic cutting down of FrameMaker If you think of licenses I fear you may be right but if you think of the commitment of Adobe this has increased from year to year. But indeed to compete with InDesign and Word the commitment might still be much too little. Dieter Gust itl AG, Munich ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
RE: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
I'd have to agree with Dieter on this one Rob - a number of us beta testers of TCS made the comment about what, no PS? in TCS4, but the more I think about it as a TCS3 user, the more it makes sense - I hardly ever used PS in my workflows. I did confirm that upgrading to TCS4 does preserve your PS install, so for upgraders, it will still be around. I think if you were a heavy PS user, you probably used it more with the Creative Suite apps like InDesign or Dreamweaver than you would have tech writing. Support with Adobe is always hit or miss - if you can connect with someone who really cares, things can get resolved. I've had a couple of my long standing issues resolved with TCS4 (of course, I have also encountered new issues - like the print book to pdf bug LOL). The best deal is to get an upgrade contract that now includes support thrown in - it's a good deal. -Original Message- From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Gust, Dieter Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 7:59 AM To: framers@lists.frameusers.com Subject: RE: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Rob Shell Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 12:23 PM Subject: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop I must add that I have found another disadvantage to buying TCS4, especially if you are a first-time buyer. TCS4 does not include Photoshop, whereas TCS2 does, or did I must confess that I find it odd that Adobe and not a single reviewer has mentioned this. If you really need Photoshop, I understand you. If you think of typical technical documentation use cases, RoboScreenCapture and Illustrator which are included instead of Photoshop (!!) are the better choice. . 1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. You refer to a bug, which is really annoying, but printing the book in structured mode might be a suitable workaround for the short. Save the book as PDF file is working in unstructured mode. 2. Forget about online support. Why? Online support always is a combination of official Adobe feedback and customer feedback from all over the world. While an official Adobe feedback always will have to take into account side effects and therefore must be careful with hastily tips and workarounds, a lot of well-known experts in framers are giving fast and valuable feedback to almost any problem. 3. Do without Photoshop. Most technical documentation use cases don't deal with CMYK so I think cheap software or freeware (Photoshop Elements, IrfanView...) should fulfill the demands. For screenshots RoboScreenCapture (which is good) is included in TCS4. A lot of customers asked for switching from Photoshop to Illustrator which is now included in TCS4. 4. Forget about timely patches Why? The Adobe TCS team is always seeking dedicated contact to TCS customers, and while I hate bugs like a plague Adobe delivers patches as soon as possible. O.K. The Adobe team might think about a similar approach like Microsoft in order to establish hotfixes beside regular patches. As a user of many programs over the years, what I see here is a drastic cutting down of FrameMaker If you think of licenses I fear you may be right but if you think of the commitment of Adobe this has increased from year to year. But indeed to compete with InDesign and Word the commitment might still be much too little. Dieter Gust itl AG, Munich ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as jeff.coatswo...@jonassoftware.com. Send list messages to framers@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/jeff.coatsworth%40jonassoftware.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
Re: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
Illustrator is a better choice as a component? Really? Ever try editing hundreds of screen snaps for software documentation in Illustrator? Either it's a significant mistake by the marketing team, or a significant win by the marketing team as it greatly increases Photoshop licenses Art Campbell art.campb...@gmail.com ... In my opinion, there's nothing in this world beats a '52 Vincent and a redheaded girl. -- Richard Thompson No disclaimers apply. DoD 358 I support www.TheGrotonLine.com, hyperlocal news for Groton MA. On Wed, Sep 26, 2012 at 7:59 AM, Gust, Dieter dieter.g...@itl.eu wrote: From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com [mailto: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Rob Shell Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 12:23 PM Subject: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop I must add that I have found another disadvantage to buying TCS4, especially if you are a first-time buyer. TCS4 does not include Photoshop, whereas TCS2 does, or did I must confess that I find it odd that Adobe and not a single reviewer has mentioned this. If you really need Photoshop, I understand you. If you think of typical technical documentation use cases, RoboScreenCapture and Illustrator which are included instead of Photoshop (!!) are the better choice. . 1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. You refer to a bug, which is really annoying, but printing the book in structured mode might be a suitable workaround for the short. Save the book as PDF file is working in unstructured mode. 2. Forget about online support. Why? Online support always is a combination of official Adobe feedback and customer feedback from all over the world. While an official Adobe feedback always will have to take into account side effects and therefore must be careful with hastily tips and workarounds, a lot of well-known experts in framers are giving fast and valuable feedback to almost any problem. 3. Do without Photoshop. Most technical documentation use cases don't deal with CMYK so I think cheap software or freeware (Photoshop Elements, IrfanView...) should fulfill the demands. For screenshots RoboScreenCapture (which is good) is included in TCS4. A lot of customers asked for switching from Photoshop to Illustrator which is now included in TCS4. 4. Forget about timely patches Why? The Adobe TCS team is always seeking dedicated contact to TCS customers, and while I hate bugs like a plague Adobe delivers patches as soon as possible. O.K. The Adobe team might think about a similar approach like Microsoft in order to establish hotfixes beside regular patches. As a user of many programs over the years, what I see here is a drastic cutting down of FrameMaker If you think of licenses I fear you may be right but if you think of the commitment of Adobe this has increased from year to year. But indeed to compete with InDesign and Word the commitment might still be much too little. Dieter Gust itl AG, Munich ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as art.campb...@gmail.com. Send list messages to framers@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/art.campbell%40gmail.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
Localization Process with FrameMaker 10
Hi all, I am using unstructured FrameMaker 10. I am documenting a product in English, which needs to be translated into Chinese every release. I was curious what process people use to do the localization. Here is the process I was thinking about using with the existing documentation. 1. there would be two versions of each document. One for english and another Chinese. I thought about using the same Framemaker files and conditionalizing the text based on language but that seemed awfully messy. 2.place all FM files in SVN so they are source control. 3. for each release, turn on track changes for the English versions. 4. once documentation for the release is complete, commit FM files to SVN. 5. localization person retrieves files from SVN. 6. Using the FM TT toolbar, the translator searches for any changes since the last release. 7. For the changes the translator finds, the person goes to the chinese version and makes the appropriate updates. 8. I am not sure how to handle changes to screenshots though, so any suggestions on that would be helpful. So what does everyone think about the above process? Is there a better way to do this? I can't say that I am crazy about using track changes considering how crude and unstable they are (hello framemaker crashes) but they are better than nothing. Thanks, Joseph Lorenzini ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
Re: Acrobat X pdfs produced by FM10 remain open
Have you tried closing the Acrobat application? That worked for me. It was a Windows locking issue, not an Acrobat thing, I encountered it with a couple of other programs. On Tue, Sep 25, 2012 at 6:47 AM, Craig Ede craig...@hotmail.com wrote: I'm using Acrobat X in tandem with Framemaker 10 to produce PDFs (thus the posting here). Over that last couple of days Acrobat leaves the files locked after I produce and view and close the files in Acrobat. (The system says the file is still open in Acrobat when I try to replace it.) ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
Re: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
As for editing images, even though I have CS 5, most of the time I use Paint Shop Pro (≈$100). Obviously, I have simpler photographic needs than many other people. I prefer Paint Shop Pro, too. Photoshop is usually overkill for me. Maybe it's because we're Canadian, Allison. =D Nadine ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
Re: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
Getting Illustrator makes upgrading from TCS 3.5 to 4 considerably more appealing, not that I plan to. I have Photoshop but it's overkill for my needs. I would never spend a dime on it. There are freeware bitmap editors that do everything I need from Photoshop. You really can't print books from FrameMaker 11? That's a pretty dreadful bug, but I always save as PDF and print from that anyway. ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
RE: Localization Process with FrameMaker 10
Joseph: 1. When you talk about the translator do you mean a professional at an LSP (Language Service Provider) or someone in-house who speaks/writes Chinese, so you use him/her? If the latter, I don't recommend it. The ability to speak/write a language does not a translator make. Following that logic, anyone who speaks/writes English, can be an English technical writer - and we all know that isn't true. 2. This is my process for an initial translation. Subsequent translations are almost identical but some things like creating Variable files are already done (note that my manuals are conditionalized so there are actually 5 manuals in one unstructured FM book files (22 separate FM files in this book): a. Complete manuals b. Log completed manual into VSS c. Create a completed manual English Master file folder(s) - different from your working folder(s) d. Accept all Track Changes e. Create all final PDFs and release English manuals f. Keep a copy, by product/condition, of all finished FM files that are used to create each PDF g. Create a new folder(s) for translation (I do this by language as we translate into 7 different languages at the moment - we have done up to 17) h. Copy a writable set of English Master files into the Simplified Chinese translation folder(s) i. Create Variable files for translation files j. Send files to LSP for quote (including request for creation of translation Glossary before 1st translation begins. It's also best to have this proofed by an in-country expert before beginning the actual translation job.) k. Authorize translation based on quote l. When the job is finished, always get a copy of the Glossary and new/updated Translation Memory (TM) so you can change LSPs at your discretion. m.When you do your 2nd and subsequent rounds of translation, the LSP will process the new FM files and the TM with professional tools (like TRADOS) to ensure that exact matches, fuzzy matches and repetitions are factored into the price and job cycle, ensuring that only new or edited text needs to be translated. This is a quick overview of my process. Some might find steps c and f-h a bit of overkill, but as I work with Medical Devices, we have an internal ISO release process. We are also constantly applying to new countries for Regulatory approval to sell our systems. I have learned the hard way that if I cannot recreate on-demand, an exact copy of a specific manual type/release - sometimes with new document numbers and languages codes - then things get extremely difficult for me. I also need to be able to recreate translated manuals with specific changes required by Regulatory bodies (the SFDA in the People's Republic of China is particularly demanding) Hope this helps, Alison Alison Craig Technical Documentation Lead 604-279-8550 | fax 604-279-8559 | toll-free 1-866-437-9508 Ultrasonix Medical Corporation | www.ultrasonix.comhttp://www.ultrasonix.com/ [cid:image001.gif@01CD9BED.742DB780] From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Joseph Lorenzini Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 11:35 AM To: FrameMaker Forum; tcs-us...@googlegroups.com Subject: Localization Process with FrameMaker 10 Hi all, I am using unstructured FrameMaker 10. I am documenting a product in English, which needs to be translated into Chinese every release. I was curious what process people use to do the localization. Here is the process I was thinking about using with the existing documentation. 1. there would be two versions of each document. One for english and another Chinese. I thought about using the same Framemaker files and conditionalizing the text based on language but that seemed awfully messy. 2.place all FM files in SVN so they are source control. 3. for each release, turn on track changes for the English versions. 4. once documentation for the release is complete, commit FM files to SVN. 5. localization person retrieves files from SVN. 6. Using the FM TT toolbar, the translator searches for any changes since the last release. 7. For the changes the translator finds, the person goes to the chinese version and makes the appropriate updates. 8. I am not sure how to handle changes to screenshots though, so any suggestions on that would be helpful. So what does everyone think about the above process? Is there a better way to do this? I can't say that I am crazy about using track changes considering how crude and unstable they are (hello framemaker crashes) but they are better than nothing. Thanks, Joseph Lorenzini inline: image001.gif___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit
RE: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
One of the reasons I never seriously looked at the TCS was because it included Photoshop (which I almost never use) but excluded Illustrator (which I use frequently). As it couldn't replace my go to program in CS 5, it was a non-starter. As for editing images, even though I have CS 5, most of the time I use Paint Shop Pro (≈ $100). Obviously, I have simpler photographic needs than many other people. As for FM11 not being able to reliably print to book, that makes it a non-starter for me until that bug is fixed and field tested as I have to print to book and distill due to mixed page sizes in one of most important manual suites. Besides, having to use a workaround for a simple, obvious and necessary thing like printing, reflects very badly on Adobe's testing team. Alison From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Art Campbell Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 5:58 AM To: Gust, Dieter Cc: framers@lists.frameusers.com Subject: Re: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop Illustrator is a better choice as a component? Really? Ever try editing hundreds of screen snaps for software documentation in Illustrator? Either it's a significant mistake by the marketing team, or a significant win by the marketing team as it greatly increases Photoshop licenses Art Campbell art.campb...@gmail.commailto:art.campb...@gmail.com ... In my opinion, there's nothing in this world beats a '52 Vincent and a redheaded girl. -- Richard Thompson No disclaimers apply. DoD 358 I support www.TheGrotonLine.comhttp://www.TheGrotonLine.com, hyperlocal news for Groton MA. On Wed, Sep 26, 2012 at 7:59 AM, Gust, Dieter dieter.g...@itl.eumailto:dieter.g...@itl.eu wrote: From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.commailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.commailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Rob Shell Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 12:23 PM Subject: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop I must add that I have found another disadvantage to buying TCS4, especially if you are a first-time buyer. TCS4 does not include Photoshop, whereas TCS2 does, or did I must confess that I find it odd that Adobe and not a single reviewer has mentioned this. If you really need Photoshop, I understand you. If you think of typical technical documentation use cases, RoboScreenCapture and Illustrator which are included instead of Photoshop (!!) are the better choice. . 1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. You refer to a bug, which is really annoying, but printing the book in structured mode might be a suitable workaround for the short. Save the book as PDF file is working in unstructured mode. 2. Forget about online support. Why? Online support always is a combination of official Adobe feedback and customer feedback from all over the world. While an official Adobe feedback always will have to take into account side effects and therefore must be careful with hastily tips and workarounds, a lot of well-known experts in framers are giving fast and valuable feedback to almost any problem. 3. Do without Photoshop. Most technical documentation use cases don't deal with CMYK so I think cheap software or freeware (Photoshop Elements, IrfanView...) should fulfill the demands. For screenshots RoboScreenCapture (which is good) is included in TCS4. A lot of customers asked for switching from Photoshop to Illustrator which is now included in TCS4. 4. Forget about timely patches Why? The Adobe TCS team is always seeking dedicated contact to TCS customers, and while I hate bugs like a plague Adobe delivers patches as soon as possible. O.K. The Adobe team might think about a similar approach like Microsoft in order to establish hotfixes beside regular patches. As a user of many programs over the years, what I see here is a drastic cutting down of FrameMaker If you think of licenses I fear you may be right but if you think of the commitment of Adobe this has increased from year to year. But indeed to compete with InDesign and Word the commitment might still be much too little. Dieter Gust itl AG, Munich ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as art.campb...@gmail.commailto:art.campb...@gmail.com. Send list messages to framers@lists.frameusers.commailto:framers@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.commailto:framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/art.campbell%40gmail.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.commailto:listad...@frameusers.com. Visit
Re: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
It's never been an either/or selection for me. I started my career as a technical illustrator and use both Illustrator and Photoshop extensively in my work. I can appreciate that most of you work in the software field, where screen grabs are pretty much the extent of your graphic work. However, there are still many of us working writing manuals for mechanical components. We require far more sophisticated tools for illustration than screen grabbing software. I will admit I dislike the TCS model intensely, especially since I already own the Creative Suite. Why is it so much more expensive? Why can't I buy a basic suite and add components as I need them for a fraction of the cost of the individual software packages? It's not like I have much of a use for Robohelp anyway. Just my two-cents. Bernard Gagne From: Art Campbell art.campb...@gmail.com To: Gust, Dieter dieter.g...@itl.eu Cc: framers@lists.frameusers.com framers@lists.frameusers.com Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 8:57:40 AM Subject: Re: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop Illustrator is a better choice as a component? Really? Ever try editing hundreds of screen snaps for software documentation in Illustrator? Either it's a significant mistake by the marketing team, or a significant win by the marketing team as it greatly increases Photoshop licenses Art Campbell art.campb...@gmail.com ... In my opinion, there's nothing in this world beats a '52 Vincent and a redheaded girl. -- Richard Thompson No disclaimers apply. DoD 358 I support www.TheGrotonLine.com, hyperlocal news for Groton MA. On Wed, Sep 26, 2012 at 7:59 AM, Gust, Dieter dieter.g...@itl.eu wrote: From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Rob Shell Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 12:23 PM Subject: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop I must add that I have found another disadvantage to buying TCS4, especially if you are a first-time buyer. TCS4 does not include Photoshop, whereas TCS2 does, or did I must confess that I find it odd that Adobe and not a single reviewer has mentioned this. If you really need Photoshop, I understand you. If you think of typical technical documentation use cases, RoboScreenCapture and Illustrator which are included instead of Photoshop (!!) are the better choice. . 1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. You refer to a bug, which is really annoying, but printing the book in structured mode might be a suitable workaround for the short. Save the book as PDF file is working in unstructured mode. 2. Forget about online support. Why? Online support always is a combination of official Adobe feedback and customer feedback from all over the world. While an official Adobe feedback always will have to take into account side effects and therefore must be careful with hastily tips and workarounds, a lot of well-known experts in framers are giving fast and valuable feedback to almost any problem. 3. Do without Photoshop. Most technical documentation use cases don't deal with CMYK so I think cheap software or freeware (Photoshop Elements, IrfanView...) should fulfill the demands. For screenshots RoboScreenCapture (which is good) is included in TCS4. A lot of customers asked for switching from Photoshop to Illustrator which is now included in TCS4. 4. Forget about timely patches Why? The Adobe TCS team is always seeking dedicated contact to TCS customers, and while I hate bugs like a plague Adobe delivers patches as soon as possible. O.K. The Adobe team might think about a similar approach like Microsoft in order to establish hotfixes beside regular patches. As a user of many programs over the years, what I see here is a drastic cutting down of FrameMaker If you think of licenses I fear you may be right but if you think of the commitment of Adobe this has increased from year to year. But indeed to compete with InDesign and Word the commitment might still be much too little. Dieter Gust itl AG, Munich ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as art.campb...@gmail.com. Send list messages to framers@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/art.campbell%40gmail.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as bernyga...@rogers.com. Send list messages to framers@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to
Re: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
At 12:00 PM -0500 9/26/12, Rob Shell wrote: Subject: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop 1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. and Gust, Dieter answered: You refer to a bug, which is really annoying, but printing the book in structured mode might be a suitable workaround for the short. Save the book as PDF file is working in unstructured mode. Has there been any word on a fix? I prefer to print to a physical printer from the book PDF, but others in my group don't. Can one still print a book to a .ps file for external distilling in unstructured FM11? Thanks, Karen ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
RE: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
I think TSC4 should have INCLUDED Illustrator, not replaced Photoshop--but then, Adobe didn't ask me... In my experience, more users will benefit more from AI, than PS. Screen captures are mostly processed in SnagIt or similar program, making PS overkill for those images. For image editing, Photoshop Elements is surprisingly full-featured compared with its cost. Most users are fine with RGB images (an RGB PDF can be converted to CMYK in Acrobat Pro if necessary). Luckily, TCS3 users can leave PS installed. As far as bugs go, Suites are a marketing tool and are released on a pre-determined schedule. If one program is holding up the Suite, then the software is often released with known bugs or features are left out until the next upgrade. Just a fact of life for software users, especially Adobe's. However, bug fixes eventually do happen--obviously, not as fast for someone stung by a bug, but they do happen. Another unfortunate fact of life is that when a new version comes out (expect TCS4.5 if the rumored Acrobat 11 comes out), bug fixes often stop for older versions of the software. So if Frame 11.5 comes out, I wouldn't expect too many major updates for 11. I like Suites for the cost savings, but dislike them for the get it out the door even if it's not ready approach. New Frame versions always take a while to pick up steam. Many government agencies are still using Frame 7. David Creamer IDEAS Training http://www.ideastraining.com Adobe Authorized Instructor Certified Expert since 1995 Authorized Frame Consultant since 1991 I must add that I have found another disadvantage to buying TCS4, especially if you are a first-time buyer. TCS4 does not include Photoshop, whereas TCS2 does, or did. I must confess that I find it odd that Adobe and not a single reviewer has mentioned this. If you are a student, it would be better to buy TCS2, even though Adobe has stopped support for this product. To sum up. Framemaker 11 has been upgraded for structured documentation not unstructured. 1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. 2. Forget about online support. 3. Do without Photoshop. 4. Forget about timely patches As a user of many programs over the years, what I see here is a drastic cutting down of FrameMaker Perhaps the FrameMaker accountants are fighting with the programmers and engineers. Less is more. I believe that FM is a great product, but the writing is on the wall. The view from Norton: Few users: slightly unstable. ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
RE: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
They're working on it - I just got an e-mail from my contact at Adobe and they've recreated the issue with a sample book I gave them. There is a workaround - flip to Structured FM and you don't get the error. -Original Message- From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Robert Lauriston Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 11:41 AM To: framers@lists.frameusers.com Subject: Re: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop Getting Illustrator makes upgrading from TCS 3.5 to 4 considerably more appealing, not that I plan to. I have Photoshop but it's overkill for my needs. I would never spend a dime on it. There are freeware bitmap editors that do everything I need from Photoshop. You really can't print books from FrameMaker 11? That's a pretty dreadful bug, but I always save as PDF and print from that anyway. ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as jeff.coatswo...@jonassoftware.com. Send list messages to framers@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/jeff.coatsworth%40jonassoftware.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
RE: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
No, in Unstructured mode, the Print Book command crashes FM. The workaround for now is to switch to Structured FM mode to print the book. -Original Message- From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Karen Robbins Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 1:38 PM To: framers@lists.frameusers.com Subject: Re: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop At 12:00 PM -0500 9/26/12, Rob Shell wrote: Subject: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop 1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. and Gust, Dieter answered: You refer to a bug, which is really annoying, but printing the book in structured mode might be a suitable workaround for the short. Save the book as PDF file is working in unstructured mode. Has there been any word on a fix? I prefer to print to a physical printer from the book PDF, but others in my group don't. Can one still print a book to a .ps file for external distilling in unstructured FM11? Thanks, Karen ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as jeff.coatswo...@jonassoftware.com. Send list messages to framers@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/jeff.coatsworth%40jonassoftware.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
RE: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
Hi Bernard, I agree. I own the Creative Suite as well and it's frustrating having overlap of the applications. It's less expensive to buy the suites in the first place, but when you only want to upgrade one of the components, you can't do it. Rick Rick Quatro Carmen Publishing Inc. 585-283-5045 r...@frameexpert.com It's never been an either/or selection for me. I started my career as a technical illustrator and use both Illustrator and Photoshop extensively in my work. I can appreciate that most of you work in the software field, where screen grabs are pretty much the extent of your graphic work. However, there are still many of us working writing manuals for mechanical components. We require far more sophisticated tools for illustration than screen grabbing software. I will admit I dislike the TCS model intensely, especially since I already own the Creative Suite. Why is it so much more expensive? Why can't I buy a basic suite and add components as I need them for a fraction of the cost of the individual software packages? It's not like I have much of a use for Robohelp anyway. Just my two-cents. Bernard Gagne ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to framers@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.
More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
Dear framers: I must add that I have found another disadvantage to buying TCS4, especially if you are a first-time buyer. TCS4 does not include Photoshop, whereas TCS2 does, or did. I must confess that I find it odd that Adobe and not a single reviewer has mentioned this. If you are a student, it would be better to buy TCS2, even though Adobe has stopped support for this product. To sum up. Framemaker 11 has been upgraded for structured documentation not unstructured. 1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. 2. Forget about online support. 3. Do without Photoshop. 4. Forget about timely patches As a user of many programs over the years, what I see here is a drastic cutting down of FrameMaker Perhaps the FrameMaker accountants are fighting with the programmers and engineers. Less is more. I believe that FM is a great product, but the writing is on the wall. The view from Norton: Few users: slightly unstable. Rob Shell Windows Seven FrameMaker 9 patched 4 GB RAM 3 TB hd
More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Rob Shell Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 12:23 PM Subject: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop > I must add that I have found another disadvantage to buying TCS4, especially > if you are a first-time buyer. > TCS4 does not include Photoshop, whereas TCS2 does, or did > I must confess that I find it odd that Adobe and not a single reviewer has > mentioned this. If you really need Photoshop, I understand you. If you think of typical technical documentation use cases, RoboScreenCapture and Illustrator which are included instead of Photoshop (!!) are the better choice. . > 1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. You refer to a bug, which is really annoying, but printing the book in structured mode might be a suitable workaround for the short. Save the book as PDF file is working in unstructured mode. > 2. Forget about online support. Why? Online support always is a combination of official Adobe feedback and customer feedback from all over the world. While an official Adobe feedback always will have to take into account side effects and therefore must be careful with hastily tips and workarounds, a lot of well-known experts in framers are giving fast and valuable feedback to almost any problem. > 3. Do without Photoshop. Most technical documentation use cases don't deal with CMYK so I think cheap software or freeware (Photoshop Elements, IrfanView...) should fulfill the demands. For screenshots RoboScreenCapture (which is good) is included in TCS4. A lot of customers asked for switching from Photoshop to Illustrator which is now included in TCS4. > 4. Forget about timely patches Why? The Adobe TCS team is always seeking dedicated contact to TCS customers, and while "I hate bugs like a plague" Adobe delivers patches as soon as possible. O.K. The Adobe team might think about a similar approach like Microsoft in order to establish "hotfixes" beside regular patches. > As a user of many programs over the years, what I see here is a drastic > cutting down of FrameMaker If you think of licenses I fear you may be right but if you think of the commitment of Adobe this has increased from year to year. But indeed to compete with InDesign and Word the commitment might still be much too little. Dieter Gust itl AG, Munich
More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
I'd have to agree with Dieter on this one Rob - a number of us beta testers of TCS made the comment about "what, no PS?" in TCS4, but the more I think about it as a TCS3 user, the more it makes sense - I hardly ever used PS in my workflows. I did confirm that upgrading to TCS4 does preserve your PS install, so for upgraders, it will still be around. I think if you were a heavy PS user, you probably used it more with the Creative Suite apps like InDesign or Dreamweaver than you would have tech writing. Support with Adobe is always hit or miss - if you can connect with someone who really cares, things can get resolved. I've had a couple of my long standing issues resolved with TCS4 (of course, I have also encountered new issues - like the print book to pdf bug LOL). The best deal is to get an upgrade contract that now includes support thrown in - it's a good deal. -Original Message- From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Gust, Dieter Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 7:59 AM To: framers at lists.frameusers.com Subject: RE: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Rob Shell Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 12:23 PM Subject: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop > I must add that I have found another disadvantage to buying TCS4, especially > if you are a first-time buyer. > TCS4 does not include Photoshop, whereas TCS2 does, or did > I must confess that I find it odd that Adobe and not a single reviewer has > mentioned this. If you really need Photoshop, I understand you. If you think of typical technical documentation use cases, RoboScreenCapture and Illustrator which are included instead of Photoshop (!!) are the better choice. . > 1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. You refer to a bug, which is really annoying, but printing the book in structured mode might be a suitable workaround for the short. Save the book as PDF file is working in unstructured mode. > 2. Forget about online support. Why? Online support always is a combination of official Adobe feedback and customer feedback from all over the world. While an official Adobe feedback always will have to take into account side effects and therefore must be careful with hastily tips and workarounds, a lot of well-known experts in framers are giving fast and valuable feedback to almost any problem. > 3. Do without Photoshop. Most technical documentation use cases don't deal with CMYK so I think cheap software or freeware (Photoshop Elements, IrfanView...) should fulfill the demands. For screenshots RoboScreenCapture (which is good) is included in TCS4. A lot of customers asked for switching from Photoshop to Illustrator which is now included in TCS4. > 4. Forget about timely patches Why? The Adobe TCS team is always seeking dedicated contact to TCS customers, and while "I hate bugs like a plague" Adobe delivers patches as soon as possible. O.K. The Adobe team might think about a similar approach like Microsoft in order to establish "hotfixes" beside regular patches. > As a user of many programs over the years, what I see here is a drastic > cutting down of FrameMaker If you think of licenses I fear you may be right but if you think of the commitment of Adobe this has increased from year to year. But indeed to compete with InDesign and Word the commitment might still be much too little. Dieter Gust itl AG, Munich ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as jeff.coatsworth at jonassoftware.com. Send list messages to framers at lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscribe at lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/jeff.coatsworth%40jonassoftware.com Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
Illustrator is a better choice as a component? Really? Ever try editing hundreds of screen snaps for software documentation in Illustrator? Either it's a significant mistake by the marketing team, or a significant win by the marketing team as it greatly increases Photoshop licenses Art Campbell art.campbell at gmail.com "... In my opinion, there's nothing in this world beats a '52 Vincent and a redheaded girl." -- Richard Thompson No disclaimers apply. DoD 358 I support www.TheGrotonLine.com, hyperlocal news for Groton MA. On Wed, Sep 26, 2012 at 7:59 AM, Gust, Dieter wrote: > From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com [mailto: > framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Rob Shell > Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 12:23 PM > Subject: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop > > > I must add that I have found another disadvantage to buying TCS4, > especially if you are a first-time buyer. > > TCS4 does not include Photoshop, whereas TCS2 does, or did > > I must confess that I find it odd that Adobe and not a single reviewer > has mentioned this. > If you really need Photoshop, I understand you. > > If you think of typical technical documentation use cases, > RoboScreenCapture and Illustrator which are included instead of Photoshop > (!!) are the better choice. . > > > 1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. > You refer to a bug, which is really annoying, but printing the book in > structured mode might be a suitable workaround for the short. > Save the book as PDF file is working in unstructured mode. > > > 2. Forget about online support. > Why? Online support always is a combination of official Adobe feedback and > customer feedback from all over the world. > While an official Adobe feedback always will have to take into account > side effects and therefore must be careful with hastily tips and > workarounds, a lot of well-known experts in framers are giving fast and > valuable feedback to almost any problem. > > > 3. Do without Photoshop. > Most technical documentation use cases don't deal with CMYK so I think > cheap software or freeware (Photoshop Elements, IrfanView...) should > fulfill the demands. For screenshots RoboScreenCapture (which is good) is > included in TCS4. A lot of customers asked for switching from Photoshop to > Illustrator which is now included in TCS4. > > > 4. Forget about timely patches > Why? > The Adobe TCS team is always seeking dedicated contact to TCS customers, > and while "I hate bugs like a plague" Adobe delivers patches as soon as > possible. O.K. The Adobe team might think about a similar approach like > Microsoft in order to establish "hotfixes" beside regular patches. > > > As a user of many programs over the years, what I see here is a drastic > cutting down of FrameMaker > If you think of licenses I fear you may be right but if you think of the > commitment of Adobe this has increased from year to year. > But indeed to compete with InDesign and Word the commitment might still be > much too little. > Dieter Gust > itl AG, Munich > ___ > > > You are currently subscribed to framers as art.campbell at gmail.com. > > Send list messages to framers at lists.frameusers.com. > > To unsubscribe send a blank email to > framers-unsubscribe at lists.frameusers.com > or visit > http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/art.campbell%40gmail.com > > Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit > http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. > -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.frameusers.com/pipermail/framers/attachments/20120926/f32c168f/attachment.html>
More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
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More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
At 12:00 PM -0500 9/26/12, Rob Shell wrote: >Subject: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop >1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. and Gust, Dieter answered: >You refer to a bug, which is really annoying, but printing the book >in structured mode might be a suitable workaround for the short. >Save the book as PDF file is working in unstructured mode. Has there been any word on a fix? I prefer to print to a physical printer from the book PDF, but others in my group don't. Can one still print a book to a .ps file for external distilling in unstructured FM11? Thanks, Karen
More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
Robo ScreenCapture might work if you are documenting software. Some technical writers aren't documenting software. I document hardware and the only way I can illustrate many things is with the camera. I definitely need PhotoShop. This comes as a bummer for me. -Original Message- From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Gust, Dieter Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 7:59 AM To: framers at lists.frameusers.com Subject: RE: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Rob Shell Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 12:23 PM Subject: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop > I must add that I have found another disadvantage to buying TCS4, especially > if you are a first-time buyer. > TCS4 does not include Photoshop, whereas TCS2 does, or did > I must confess that I find it odd that Adobe and not a single reviewer has > mentioned this. If you really need Photoshop, I understand you. If you think of typical technical documentation use cases, RoboScreenCapture and Illustrator which are included instead of Photoshop (!!) are the better choice. . > 1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. You refer to a bug, which is really annoying, but printing the book in structured mode might be a suitable workaround for the short. Save the book as PDF file is working in unstructured mode. > 2. Forget about online support. Why? Online support always is a combination of official Adobe feedback and customer feedback from all over the world. While an official Adobe feedback always will have to take into account side effects and therefore must be careful with hastily tips and workarounds, a lot of well-known experts in framers are giving fast and valuable feedback to almost any problem. > 3. Do without Photoshop. Most technical documentation use cases don't deal with CMYK so I think cheap software or freeware (Photoshop Elements, IrfanView...) should fulfill the demands. For screenshots RoboScreenCapture (which is good) is included in TCS4. A lot of customers asked for switching from Photoshop to Illustrator which is now included in TCS4. > 4. Forget about timely patches Why? The Adobe TCS team is always seeking dedicated contact to TCS customers, and while "I hate bugs like a plague" Adobe delivers patches as soon as possible. O.K. The Adobe team might think about a similar approach like Microsoft in order to establish "hotfixes" beside regular patches. > As a user of many programs over the years, what I see here is a drastic > cutting down of FrameMaker If you think of licenses I fear you may be right but if you think of the commitment of Adobe this has increased from year to year. But indeed to compete with InDesign and Word the commitment might still be much too little. Dieter Gust itl AG, Munich ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as bethany.lee at lakeshore.com. Send list messages to framers at lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscribe at lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/bethany.lee%40lakeshore.com Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
Getting Illustrator makes upgrading from TCS 3.5 to 4 considerably more appealing, not that I plan to. I have Photoshop but it's overkill for my needs. I would never spend a dime on it. There are freeware bitmap editors that do everything I need from Photoshop. You really can't print books from FrameMaker 11? That's a pretty dreadful bug, but I always save as PDF and print from that anyway.
Acrobat X pdfs produced by FM10 remain "open"
Have you tried closing the Acrobat application? That worked for me. It was a Windows locking issue, not an Acrobat thing, I encountered it with a couple of other programs. On Tue, Sep 25, 2012 at 6:47 AM, Craig Ede wrote: > I'm using Acrobat X in tandem with Framemaker 10 to produce PDFs (thus the > posting here). Over that last couple of days Acrobat leaves the files locked > after I produce and view and close the files in Acrobat. (The system says > the file is still open in Acrobat when I try to replace it.)
More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit >http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. > ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as bernygagne at rogers.com. Send list messages to framers at lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscribe at lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/bernygagne%40rogers.com Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.frameusers.com/pipermail/framers/attachments/20120926/14dda41f/attachment.html>
Localization Process with FrameMaker 10
Hi all, I am using unstructured FrameMaker 10. I am documenting a product in English, which needs to be translated into Chinese every release. I was curious what process people use to do the localization. Here is the process I was thinking about using with the existing documentation. 1. there would be two versions of each document. One for english and another Chinese. I thought about using the same Framemaker files and conditionalizing the text based on language but that seemed awfully messy. 2.place all FM files in SVN so they are source control. 3. for each release, turn on track changes for the English versions. 4. once documentation for the release is complete, commit FM files to SVN. 5. localization person retrieves files from SVN. 6. Using the FM TT toolbar, the translator searches for any changes since the last release. 7. For the changes the translator finds, the person goes to the chinese version and makes the appropriate updates. 8. I am not sure how to handle changes to screenshots though, so any suggestions on that would be helpful. So what does everyone think about the above process? Is there a better way to do this? I can't say that I am crazy about using track changes considering how crude and unstable they are (hello framemaker crashes) but they are better than nothing. Thanks, Joseph Lorenzini -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.frameusers.com/pipermail/framers/attachments/20120926/6ae331b9/attachment.html>
More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
>As for editing images, even though I have CS 5, most of the time I use Paint >Shop Pro (?$100). Obviously, I have simpler photographic needs than many other >people. I prefer Paint Shop Pro, too. Photoshop is usually overkill for me. Maybe it's because we're Canadian, Allison. =D Nadine
Localization Process with FrameMaker 10
Joseph: 1. When you talk about the "translator" do you mean a professional at an LSP (Language Service Provider) or someone in-house who speaks/writes Chinese, so you use him/her? If the latter, I don't recommend it. The ability to speak/write a language does not a translator make. Following that logic, anyone who speaks/writes English, can be an English technical writer - and we all know that isn't true. 2. This is my process for an initial translation. Subsequent translations are almost identical but some things like creating Variable files are already done (note that my manuals are conditionalized so there are actually 5 manuals in one unstructured FM book files (22 separate FM files in this book): a. Complete manuals b. Log completed manual into VSS c. Create a completed manual English Master file folder(s) - different from your working folder(s) d. Accept all Track Changes e. Create all final PDFs and release English manuals f. Keep a copy, by product/condition, of all finished FM files that are used to create each PDF g. Create a new folder(s) for translation (I do this by language as we translate into 7 different languages at the moment - we have done up to 17) h. Copy a writable set of English Master files into the Simplified Chinese translation folder(s) i. Create Variable files for translation files j. Send files to LSP for quote (including request for creation of translation Glossary before 1st translation begins. It's also best to have this proofed by an in-country expert before beginning the actual translation job.) k. Authorize translation based on quote l. When the job is finished, always get a copy of the Glossary and new/updated Translation Memory (TM) so you can change LSPs at your discretion. m.When you do your 2nd and subsequent rounds of translation, the LSP will process the new FM files and the TM with professional tools (like TRADOS) to ensure that exact matches, fuzzy matches and repetitions are factored into the price and job cycle, ensuring that only new or edited text needs to be translated. This is a quick overview of my process. Some might find steps c and f-h a bit of overkill, but as I work with Medical Devices, we have an internal ISO release process. We are also constantly applying to new countries for Regulatory approval to sell our systems. I have learned the hard way that if I cannot recreate on-demand, an exact copy of a specific manual type/release - sometimes with new document numbers and languages codes - then things get extremely difficult for me. I also need to be able to recreate translated manuals with specific changes required by Regulatory bodies (the SFDA in the People's Republic of China is particularly demanding) Hope this helps, Alison Alison Craig Technical Documentation Lead 604-279-8550 | fax 604-279-8559 | toll-free 1-866-437-9508 Ultrasonix Medical Corporation | www.ultrasonix.com<http://www.ultrasonix.com/> [cid:image001.gif at 01CD9BED.742DB780] From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Joseph Lorenzini Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 11:35 AM To: FrameMaker Forum; TCS-Users at googlegroups.com Subject: Localization Process with FrameMaker 10 Hi all, I am using unstructured FrameMaker 10. I am documenting a product in English, which needs to be translated into Chinese every release. I was curious what process people use to do the localization. Here is the process I was thinking about using with the existing documentation. 1. there would be two versions of each document. One for english and another Chinese. I thought about using the same Framemaker files and conditionalizing the text based on language but that seemed awfully messy. 2.place all FM files in SVN so they are source control. 3. for each release, turn on track changes for the English versions. 4. once documentation for the release is complete, commit FM files to SVN. 5. localization person retrieves files from SVN. 6. Using the FM TT toolbar, the translator searches for any changes since the last release. 7. For the changes the translator finds, the person goes to the chinese version and makes the appropriate updates. 8. I am not sure how to handle changes to screenshots though, so any suggestions on that would be helpful. So what does everyone think about the above process? Is there a better way to do this? I can't say that I am crazy about using track changes considering how crude and unstable they are (hello framemaker crashes) but they are better than nothing. Thanks, Joseph Lorenzini -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.frameusers.com/pipermail/framers/attachments/20120926/a5e9db73/attachment.html> -- next part -- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: imag
More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
I think TSC4 should have INCLUDED Illustrator, not replaced Photoshop--but then, Adobe didn't ask me... In my experience, more users will benefit more from AI, than PS. Screen captures are mostly processed in SnagIt or similar program, making PS overkill for those images. For image editing, Photoshop Elements is surprisingly full-featured compared with its cost. Most users are fine with RGB images (an RGB PDF can be converted to CMYK in Acrobat Pro if necessary). Luckily, TCS3 users can leave PS installed. As far as bugs go, Suites are a marketing tool and are released on a pre-determined schedule. If one program is holding up the Suite, then the software is often released with known bugs or features are left out until the next upgrade. Just a fact of life for software users, especially Adobe's. However, bug fixes eventually do happen--obviously, not as fast for someone stung by a bug, but they do happen. Another unfortunate fact of life is that when a new version comes out (expect TCS4.5 if the rumored Acrobat 11 comes out), bug fixes often stop for older versions of the software. So if Frame 11.5 comes out, I wouldn't expect too many major updates for 11. I like Suites for the cost savings, but dislike them for the "get it out the door even if it's not ready" approach. New Frame versions always take a while to pick up steam. Many government agencies are still using Frame 7. David Creamer IDEAS Training http://www.ideastraining.com Adobe Authorized Instructor & Certified Expert since 1995 Authorized Frame Consultant since 1991 I must add that I have found another disadvantage to buying TCS4, especially if you are a first-time buyer. TCS4 does not include Photoshop, whereas TCS2 does, or did. I must confess that I find it odd that Adobe and not a single reviewer has mentioned this. If you are a student, it would be better to buy TCS2, even though Adobe has stopped support for this product. To sum up. Framemaker 11 has been upgraded for structured documentation not unstructured. 1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. 2. Forget about online support. 3. Do without Photoshop. 4. Forget about timely patches As a user of many programs over the years, what I see here is a drastic cutting down of FrameMaker Perhaps the FrameMaker accountants are fighting with the programmers and engineers. Less is more. I believe that FM is a great product, but the writing is on the wall. The view from Norton: Few users: slightly unstable.
More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
They're working on it - I just got an e-mail from my contact at Adobe and they've recreated the issue with a sample book I gave them. There is a workaround - flip to Structured FM and you don't get the error. -Original Message- From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Robert Lauriston Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 11:41 AM To: framers at lists.frameusers.com Subject: Re: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop Getting Illustrator makes upgrading from TCS 3.5 to 4 considerably more appealing, not that I plan to. I have Photoshop but it's overkill for my needs. I would never spend a dime on it. There are freeware bitmap editors that do everything I need from Photoshop. You really can't print books from FrameMaker 11? That's a pretty dreadful bug, but I always save as PDF and print from that anyway. ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as jeff.coatsworth at jonassoftware.com. Send list messages to framers at lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscribe at lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/jeff.coatsworth%40jonassoftware.com Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
No, in Unstructured mode, the Print Book command crashes FM. The workaround for now is to switch to Structured FM mode to print the book. -Original Message- From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Karen Robbins Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 1:38 PM To: framers at lists.frameusers.com Subject: Re: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop At 12:00 PM -0500 9/26/12, Rob Shell wrote: >Subject: More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop >1. One cannot print a book in unstructured FM11. and Gust, Dieter answered: >You refer to a bug, which is really annoying, but printing the book >in structured mode might be a suitable workaround for the short. >Save the book as PDF file is working in unstructured mode. Has there been any word on a fix? I prefer to print to a physical printer from the book PDF, but others in my group don't. Can one still print a book to a .ps file for external distilling in unstructured FM11? Thanks, Karen ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as jeff.coatsworth at jonassoftware.com. Send list messages to framers at lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscribe at lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/jeff.coatsworth%40jonassoftware.com Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
Hi Bernard, I agree. I own the Creative Suite as well and it's frustrating having overlap of the applications. It's less expensive to buy the suites in the first place, but when you only want to upgrade one of the components, you can't do it. Rick Rick Quatro Carmen Publishing Inc. 585-283-5045 rick at frameexpert.com It's never been an either/or selection for me. I started my career as a technical illustrator and use both Illustrator and Photoshop extensively in my work. I can appreciate that most of you work in the software field, where screen grabs are pretty much the extent of your graphic work. However, there are still many of us working writing manuals for mechanical components. We require far more sophisticated tools for illustration than screen grabbing software. I will admit I dislike the TCS model intensely, especially since I already own the Creative Suite. Why is it so much more expensive? Why can't I buy a basic suite and add components as I need them for a fraction of the cost of the individual software packages? It's not like I have much of a use for Robohelp anyway. Just my two-cents. Bernard Gagne
More bad news on TCS4: no longer includes Photoshop
Somebody here reported a bug in printing to .ps. I gave up on printing to anything other than Adobe PDF because I'd constantly forget to change the printer back and end up with errors in generating PDF. Definitely saves me time in the long run never to print directly. How about Adobe enhancing Save As PDF so you could set it to always use a selected printer definition instead of the current printer? I don't expect that to happen given that from FM8 on close to zero of the feature enhancements have improved the experience of everyday, experienced unstructured-mode users. On Wed, Sep 26, 2012 at 10:38 AM, Karen Robbins wrote: > Can one still print a book to a .ps file for external distilling in > unstructured FM11?
Localization Process with FrameMaker 10
; > 1. there would be two versions of each document. One for english and > another Chinese. I thought about using the same Framemaker files and > conditionalizing the text based on language but that seemed awfully messy. > 2.place all FM files in SVN so they are source control. > 3. for each release, turn on track changes for the English versions. > 4. once documentation for the release is complete, commit FM files to SVN. > 5. localization person retrieves files from SVN. > 6. Using the FM TT toolbar, the translator searches for any changes since > the last release. > 7. For the changes the translator finds, the person goes to the chinese > version and makes the appropriate updates. > 8. I am not sure how to handle changes to screenshots though, so any > suggestions on that would be helpful. > > So what does everyone think about the above process? Is there a better way > to do this? I can't say that I am crazy about using track changes > considering how crude and unstable they are (hello framemaker crashes) but > they are better than nothing. > > Thanks, > Joseph Lorenzini > > -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.frameusers.com/pipermail/framers/attachments/20120926/3b07c181/attachment.html> -- next part -- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 2038 bytes Desc: not available URL: <http://lists.frameusers.com/pipermail/framers/attachments/20120926/3b07c181/attachment.gif>
Localization Process with FrameMaker 10
Professional translation services usually take the .fm files and run them through their translation memory software so that the translators know what has changed. The limited utility and additional overhead of a house-developed kludge might well end up making it more expensive than hiring professionals who have the right tools for the job or, if you do a lot of translation in-house, buying translation memory software.
