Re: Question on external formats and question on TOC settings
I see that you have got very good replies to your question, but because you mention CSS, I gather that you are familiar with HTML/XHTML/XML. At the same time the question rather implies that you are not familiar with Structured FrameMaker. Structured FrameMaker works in a similar way but much more efficiently, one of the main differences being that the styling is more or less intermixed with the Element Definition Document (or the EDD) which basically works as a combination of a DTD and CSS. Based on how you set this up (you can have the EDD refer to the Paragraph and Character catalogs or do all the formatting within the EDD even in a hierarchial way such as with CSS). When you have set up the EDD you can import it, even if only to get some formatting changes into the document you are working on. But this is harder to learn than meddling with the Paragraph and Character Designers. I hope this will not scare you away from looking into the Structured FM. It has its definitive upsides for a lot of document types. Bodvar Bjorgvinsson Air Atlanta Icelandic. On 10/17/06, Paul Pehrson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Hello fellow Frame users, This is my first post to the list; I joined yesterday. I've been using Frame for about two years, but I only recently started a job where I'm a lone writer, in charge of all documentation for my organization. Previously, I've been using Frame, but my supervisor was the one who created/updated all templates, formats, etc., so I didn't really learn to use a lot of Frame's features. I'm excited to be on this list and to learn from your collective experience. Today I come with two questions. First: is there a way to use an external formats document similar to a CSS style sheet using unstructured Frame? I have four books that I'm developing concurrently. The average book has 6 chapters, so I've got a good number of individual .fm documents I'm working with. As I go, I'm encountering new format needs. I modify the format accordingly, but then I have to import that document's formats into all the other documents I'm working with. I'd like to know if Frame has an external formats document that can be referenced, such that formats changed in that document are automatically reflected across all documents that link to that formats doc. Does that make sense? Do you know any way to make Frame do this? (I'm stuck with Frame 7.0 for now.) Second: When you build a TOC, is there a way to get Frame to insert a tab between the heading text and the page number? I'm having to do this manually every time I build the book files (which is daily, because I'm making my in-process work available to our internal developers and support people). I'm just sure there must be some place where I can tell Frame that I want a tab between the heading text and the page number. I just can't find it. Any help available? Thanks. I look forward to participating in the Framers online community. Paul Pehrson Midvale, UT ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/bodvar%40gmail.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
Question on external formats and question on TOC settings
I see that you have got very good replies to your question, but because you mention CSS, I gather that you are familiar with HTML/XHTML/XML. At the same time the question rather implies that you are not familiar with Structured FrameMaker. Structured FrameMaker works in a similar way but much more efficiently, one of the main differences being that the styling is more or less intermixed with the Element Definition Document (or the EDD) which basically works as a combination of a DTD and CSS. Based on how you set this up (you can have the EDD refer to the Paragraph and Character catalogs or do all the formatting within the EDD even in a hierarchial way such as with CSS). When you have set up the EDD you can import it, even if only to get some formatting changes into the document you are working on. But this is harder to learn than meddling with the Paragraph and Character Designers. I hope this will not scare you away from looking into the Structured FM. It has its definitive upsides for a lot of document types. Bodvar Bjorgvinsson Air Atlanta Icelandic. On 10/17/06, Paul Pehrson wrote: > Hello fellow Frame users, > > This is my first post to the list; I joined yesterday. I've been using Frame > for about two years, but I only recently started a job where I'm a lone > writer, in charge of all documentation for my organization. Previously, I've > been using Frame, but my supervisor was the one who created/updated all > templates, formats, etc., so I didn't really learn to use a lot of Frame's > features. > > I'm excited to be on this list and to learn from your collective experience. > > Today I come with two questions. First: is there a way to use an external > formats document similar to a CSS style sheet using unstructured Frame? > > I have four books that I'm developing concurrently. The average book has 6 > chapters, so I've got a good number of individual .fm documents I'm working > with. As I go, I'm encountering new format needs. I modify the format > accordingly, but then I have to import that document's formats into all the > other documents I'm working with. I'd like to know if Frame has an external > formats document that can be referenced, such that formats changed in that > document are automatically reflected across all documents that link to that > formats doc. Does that make sense? Do you know any way to make Frame do > this? (I'm stuck with Frame 7.0 for now.) > > Second: When you build a TOC, is there a way to get Frame to insert a tab > between the heading text and the page number? I'm having to do this manually > every time I build the book files (which is daily, because I'm making my > in-process work available to our internal developers and support people). > I'm just sure there must be some place where I can tell Frame that I want a > tab between the heading text and the page number. I just can't find it. Any > help available? > > Thanks. I look forward to participating in the Framers online community. > > > Paul Pehrson > Midvale, UT > ___ > > > You are currently subscribed to Framers as bodvar 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/bodvar%40gmail.com > > Send administrative questions to lisa at frameusers.com. Visit > http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. >
Re: Question on external formats and question on TOC settings
Paul Pehrson wrote: Hello fellow Frame users, This is my first post to the list; I joined yesterday. I've been using Frame for about two years, but I only recently started a job where I'm a lone writer Paul, Welcome to the list. You've already received good answers to your questions. I would also recommend that you get hold of a copy of Classroom in a Book for Framemaker and work your way through it -- you'll be able to skip a lot that you already know, but it will help you understand the processes involved in generated files like TOCs and Indexes and other advanced features. You would probably also benefit from reading the template primer available from Adobe at http://www.adobe.com/products/framemaker/tempseries/pdfs/primer.pdf Dan Emory has written a good guide to templates as well, available at http://www.microtype.com/resources/articles/TMPDESIN_DE.PDF Lastly, if you're an STC member, you might consider joining the Lone Writer SIG, http://www.stcsig.org/lw/ Best regards, -- Stuart Rogers Technical Communicator Phoenix Geophysics Limited Toronto, ON, Canada +1 (416) 491-7340 x 325 srogers phoenix-geophysics com "Developers explain How the Product Works. Technical writers explain How to Work the Product." Get Firefox! http://tinyurl.com/8q9c5 ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
Re: Question on external formats and question on TOC settings
At 21:26 -0700 17/10/06, Joe Malin wrote: >For this, I recommend to you two very useful FM add-ons by Silicon >Prairie: Character Tools and Paragraph Tools. You can find a useful >description of them, and many other add-ins, at this wonderful site: >http://leximation.com/toolsearch/?type=P&baseapp=FM > >Character Tools and Paragraph Tools were lifesavers for me. In short, >they convert characters and paragraphs from one tag format to another. >Once you have these tools, your task is much simpler. Seconded, but don't forget SP's new(ish) Table Tools. >You put the actual tabs into *this* line in your reference page. FM then >automatically expands the variables to their value for the Head2 entry >and inserts the tab. You do not have to put the tabs in manually. You can add character tag formatting here, too, if your design calls for it. -- Steve ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
Re: Question on external formats and question on TOC settings
Applying formats... I maintain a chapter template file (actually two templates, one for fully-numbered content chapters and one for front matter & Prefaces) separate from all books and make tag modifications and additions in those. When I need to make a change, I apply the template file to either all the appropriate chapters in the target book file or to all the members of a meta-book that contains all chapters of all books. Inserting a tab in the TOC... Two things need to be done. First, on the Reference Page that defines the format for the TOC, locate the line that defines the element. It'll contain variables such as <$chapnum>, <$paratext> and <$pagenum>. Put the cursor in the string where you want the tab to appear and press the Tab key to insert it. Second, the element's appearance will be controlled by a para tag with a TOC suffix: a name something like H2TOC. Open the paragraph designer and make sure the tag contains the appropriate tab stop; if it doesn't, create it and Update All. Then Save the files and update the book to generate a new TOC. Art On 10/17/06, Paul Pehrson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Hello fellow Frame users, This is my first post to the list; I joined yesterday. I've been using Frame for about two years, but I only recently started a job where I'm a lone writer, in charge of all documentation for my organization. Previously, I've been using Frame, but my supervisor was the one who created/updated all templates, formats, etc., so I didn't really learn to use a lot of Frame's features. I'm excited to be on this list and to learn from your collective experience. Today I come with two questions. First: is there a way to use an external formats document similar to a CSS style sheet using unstructured Frame? I have four books that I'm developing concurrently. The average book has 6 chapters, so I've got a good number of individual .fm documents I'm working with. As I go, I'm encountering new format needs. I modify the format accordingly, but then I have to import that document's formats into all the other documents I'm working with. I'd like to know if Frame has an external formats document that can be referenced, such that formats changed in that document are automatically reflected across all documents that link to that formats doc. Does that make sense? Do you know any way to make Frame do this? (I'm stuck with Frame 7.0 for now.) Second: When you build a TOC, is there a way to get Frame to insert a tab between the heading text and the page number? I'm having to do this manually every time I build the book files (which is daily, because I'm making my in-process work available to our internal developers and support people). I'm just sure there must be some place where I can tell Frame that I want a tab between the heading text and the page number. I just can't find it. Any help available? Thanks. I look forward to participating in the Framers online community. -- Art Campbell [EMAIL PROTECTED] "... In my opinion, there's nothing in this world beats a '52 Vincent and a redheaded girl." -- Richard Thompson No disclaimers apply. DoD 358 ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
Re: Question on external formats and question on TOC settings
Wow! Thanks to all who replied both on- and off-list. I'm so excited! The reference page solution was perfect. I need to learn more about reference pages, I think. That thought never occurred to me, the solution is beautiful. I'm so excited about it! And I had no idea you could import formats into multiple files in the book at once. That is an acceptable solution. It's much easier than opening each chapter individually. I don't mind so much applying the formats to all chapters in a book at once. Again, thanks everybody! I look forward to participating in this list in the future. Wow! Yay! -Paul Pehrson Midvale, UT On 10/18/06, Art Campbell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Applying formats... I maintain a chapter template file (actually two templates, one for fully-numbered content chapters and one for front matter & Prefaces) separate from all books and make tag modifications and additions in those. When I need to make a change, I apply the template file to either all the appropriate chapters in the target book file or to all the members of a meta-book that contains all chapters of all books. Inserting a tab in the TOC... Two things need to be done. First, on the Reference Page that defines the format for the TOC, locate the line that defines the element. It'll contain variables such as <$chapnum>, <$paratext> and <$pagenum>. Put the cursor in the string where you want the tab to appear and press the Tab key to insert it. Second, the element's appearance will be controlled by a para tag with a TOC suffix: a name something like H2TOC. Open the paragraph designer and make sure the tag contains the appropriate tab stop; if it doesn't, create it and Update All. Then Save the files and update the book to generate a new TOC. Art On 10/17/06, Paul Pehrson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hello fellow Frame users, > > This is my first post to the list; I joined yesterday. I've been using Frame > for about two years, but I only recently started a job where I'm a lone > writer, in charge of all documentation for my organization. Previously, I've > been using Frame, but my supervisor was the one who created/updated all > templates, formats, etc., so I didn't really learn to use a lot of Frame's > features. > > I'm excited to be on this list and to learn from your collective experience. > > Today I come with two questions. First: is there a way to use an external > formats document similar to a CSS style sheet using unstructured Frame? > > I have four books that I'm developing concurrently. The average book has 6 > chapters, so I've got a good number of individual .fm documents I'm working > with. As I go, I'm encountering new format needs. I modify the format > accordingly, but then I have to import that document's formats into all the > other documents I'm working with. I'd like to know if Frame has an external > formats document that can be referenced, such that formats changed in that > document are automatically reflected across all documents that link to that > formats doc. Does that make sense? Do you know any way to make Frame do > this? (I'm stuck with Frame 7.0 for now.) > > Second: When you build a TOC, is there a way to get Frame to insert a tab > between the heading text and the page number? I'm having to do this manually > every time I build the book files (which is daily, because I'm making my > in-process work available to our internal developers and support people). > I'm just sure there must be some place where I can tell Frame that I want a > tab between the heading text and the page number. I just can't find it. Any > help available? > > Thanks. I look forward to participating in the Framers online community. -- Art Campbell [EMAIL PROTECTED] "... In my opinion, there's nothing in this world beats a '52 Vincent and a redheaded girl." -- Richard Thompson No disclaimers apply. DoD 358 -- Paul Pehrson Midvale, UT AIM: nelspaul2004 MSN: paulpehrson(at)gmail.com www.paulpehrson.com blog.paulpehrson.com ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
Question on external formats and question on TOC settings
At 21:26 -0700 17/10/06, Joe Malin wrote: >For this, I recommend to you two very useful FM add-ons by Silicon >Prairie: Character Tools and Paragraph Tools. You can find a useful >description of them, and many other add-ins, at this wonderful site: >http://leximation.com/toolsearch/?type=P&baseapp=FM > >Character Tools and Paragraph Tools were lifesavers for me. In short, >they convert characters and paragraphs from one tag format to another. >Once you have these tools, your task is much simpler. Seconded, but don't forget SP's new(ish) Table Tools. >You put the actual tabs into *this* line in your reference page. FM then >automatically expands the variables to their value for the Head2 entry >and inserts the tab. You do not have to put the tabs in manually. You can add character tag formatting here, too, if your design calls for it. -- Steve
Question on external formats and question on TOC settings
Paul Pehrson wrote: > Hello fellow Frame users, > > This is my first post to the list; I joined yesterday. I've been using > Frame > for about two years, but I only recently started a job where I'm a lone > writer Paul, Welcome to the list. You've already received good answers to your questions. I would also recommend that you get hold of a copy of Classroom in a Book for Framemaker and work your way through it -- you'll be able to skip a lot that you already know, but it will help you understand the processes involved in generated files like TOCs and Indexes and other advanced features. You would probably also benefit from reading the template primer available from Adobe at http://www.adobe.com/products/framemaker/tempseries/pdfs/primer.pdf Dan Emory has written a good guide to templates as well, available at http://www.microtype.com/resources/articles/TMPDESIN_DE.PDF Lastly, if you're an STC member, you might consider joining the Lone Writer SIG, http://www.stcsig.org/lw/ Best regards, -- Stuart Rogers Technical Communicator Phoenix Geophysics Limited Toronto, ON, Canada +1 (416) 491-7340 x 325 srogers phoenix-geophysics com "Developers explain How the Product Works. Technical writers explain How to Work the Product." Get Firefox! http://tinyurl.com/8q9c5
Question on external formats and question on TOC settings
Applying formats... I maintain a chapter template file (actually two templates, one for fully-numbered content chapters and one for front matter & Prefaces) separate from all books and make tag modifications and additions in those. When I need to make a change, I apply the template file to either all the appropriate chapters in the target book file or to all the members of a meta-book that contains all chapters of all books. Inserting a tab in the TOC... Two things need to be done. First, on the Reference Page that defines the format for the TOC, locate the line that defines the element. It'll contain variables such as <$chapnum>, <$paratext> and <$pagenum>. Put the cursor in the string where you want the tab to appear and press the Tab key to insert it. Second, the element's appearance will be controlled by a para tag with a TOC suffix: a name something like H2TOC. Open the paragraph designer and make sure the tag contains the appropriate tab stop; if it doesn't, create it and Update All. Then Save the files and update the book to generate a new TOC. Art On 10/17/06, Paul Pehrson wrote: > Hello fellow Frame users, > > This is my first post to the list; I joined yesterday. I've been using Frame > for about two years, but I only recently started a job where I'm a lone > writer, in charge of all documentation for my organization. Previously, I've > been using Frame, but my supervisor was the one who created/updated all > templates, formats, etc., so I didn't really learn to use a lot of Frame's > features. > > I'm excited to be on this list and to learn from your collective experience. > > Today I come with two questions. First: is there a way to use an external > formats document similar to a CSS style sheet using unstructured Frame? > > I have four books that I'm developing concurrently. The average book has 6 > chapters, so I've got a good number of individual .fm documents I'm working > with. As I go, I'm encountering new format needs. I modify the format > accordingly, but then I have to import that document's formats into all the > other documents I'm working with. I'd like to know if Frame has an external > formats document that can be referenced, such that formats changed in that > document are automatically reflected across all documents that link to that > formats doc. Does that make sense? Do you know any way to make Frame do > this? (I'm stuck with Frame 7.0 for now.) > > Second: When you build a TOC, is there a way to get Frame to insert a tab > between the heading text and the page number? I'm having to do this manually > every time I build the book files (which is daily, because I'm making my > in-process work available to our internal developers and support people). > I'm just sure there must be some place where I can tell Frame that I want a > tab between the heading text and the page number. I just can't find it. Any > help available? > > Thanks. I look forward to participating in the Framers online community. -- 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
Question on external formats and question on TOC settings
Wow! Thanks to all who replied both on- and off-list. I'm so excited! The reference page solution was perfect. I need to learn more about reference pages, I think. That thought never occurred to me, the solution is beautiful. I'm so excited about it! And I had no idea you could import formats into multiple files in the book at once. That is an acceptable solution. It's much easier than opening each chapter individually. I don't mind so much applying the formats to all chapters in a book at once. Again, thanks everybody! I look forward to participating in this list in the future. Wow! Yay! -Paul Pehrson Midvale, UT On 10/18/06, Art Campbell wrote: > > Applying formats... > I maintain a chapter template file (actually two templates, one for > fully-numbered content chapters and one for front matter & Prefaces) > separate from all books and make tag modifications and additions in > those. > When I need to make a change, I apply the template file to either all > the appropriate chapters in the target book file or to all the members > of a meta-book that contains all chapters of all books. > > Inserting a tab in the TOC... > Two things need to be done. First, on the Reference Page that defines > the format for the TOC, locate the line that defines the element. > It'll contain variables such as <$chapnum>, <$paratext> and > <$pagenum>. Put the cursor in the string where you want the tab to > appear and press the Tab key to insert it. > Second, the element's appearance will be controlled by a para tag with > a TOC suffix: a name something like H2TOC. Open the paragraph designer > and make sure the tag contains the appropriate tab stop; if it > doesn't, create it and Update All. > > Then Save the files and update the book to generate a new TOC. > > Art > > On 10/17/06, Paul Pehrson wrote: > > Hello fellow Frame users, > > > > This is my first post to the list; I joined yesterday. I've been using > Frame > > for about two years, but I only recently started a job where I'm a lone > > writer, in charge of all documentation for my organization. Previously, > I've > > been using Frame, but my supervisor was the one who created/updated all > > templates, formats, etc., so I didn't really learn to use a lot of > Frame's > > features. > > > > I'm excited to be on this list and to learn from your collective > experience. > > > > Today I come with two questions. First: is there a way to use an > external > > formats document similar to a CSS style sheet using unstructured Frame? > > > > I have four books that I'm developing concurrently. The average book has > 6 > > chapters, so I've got a good number of individual .fm documents I'm > working > > with. As I go, I'm encountering new format needs. I modify the format > > accordingly, but then I have to import that document's formats into all > the > > other documents I'm working with. I'd like to know if Frame has an > external > > formats document that can be referenced, such that formats changed in > that > > document are automatically reflected across all documents that link to > that > > formats doc. Does that make sense? Do you know any way to make Frame do > > this? (I'm stuck with Frame 7.0 for now.) > > > > Second: When you build a TOC, is there a way to get Frame to insert a > tab > > between the heading text and the page number? I'm having to do this > manually > > every time I build the book files (which is daily, because I'm making my > > in-process work available to our internal developers and support > people). > > I'm just sure there must be some place where I can tell Frame that I > want a > > tab between the heading text and the page number. I just can't find it. > Any > > help available? > > > > Thanks. I look forward to participating in the Framers online community. > > > -- > 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 > -- Paul Pehrson Midvale, UT AIM: nelspaul2004 MSN: paulpehrson(at)gmail.com www.paulpehrson.com blog.paulpehrson.com
Re: Question on external formats and question on TOC settings
Two excellent questions. The first one I have run into before; I just finished working as a lone writer who had to do exactly what you are doing. FM does not have an "external" formats doc. What you can do, though, is apply the formats in a document to all the files in a book. To do this, you open the "style" document, then select all the files in the book, then select File > Import > Formats and choose the formats you want to apply. This will overwrite formats with the same name, add new formats, and leave old formats unchanged. If all you are doing is updating formats, you're set. The new definitions overwrite the old ones. That still leaves you with the issue of "converting" formats. For example, how do you move everything with paragraph format Para2 to a new format Para3? For this, I recommend to you two very useful FM add-ons by Silicon Prairie: Character Tools and Paragraph Tools. You can find a useful description of them, and many other add-ins, at this wonderful site: http://leximation.com/toolsearch/?type=P&baseapp=FM Character Tools and Paragraph Tools were lifesavers for me. In short, they convert characters and paragraphs from one tag format to another. Once you have these tools, your task is much simpler. Another technique: if all you want to do is apply *one* format change, and leave everything else the same, create a throwaway document that contains the new format, delete all the other formats from it, and then apply that document. As you come up with new and improved formats, store them in new template files. For example, store all the formats you use in normal chapters in a chapter template file chapter.fm. You can then start with that and have everything set from the beginning. I can offer more detailed advice, but this is the best I can do late at night! The tab issue is easier to solve, but you do have to understand how generated TOCs work. When FM creates a TOC, it creates a xxxTOC paragraph format for every xxx paragraph format you specify should be in the TOC. So, if you say that you want Head2 format paragraphs listed in the TOC, you automatically get a Head2TOC paragraph format. FM applies the Head2TOC format to Head2 entries it adds in the TOC. *In addition*, FM creates a line in the TOC reference page for the TOC. This line is a mask or template that defines what the Head2 entry will look like. You can modify this line to format Head2 entries. For example, you can put this in (I put tab characters in parentheses for clarity; if you turn on text symbols, you can see them as a single right parenthesis): (tab)<$paratext>(tab)...<$pagenum> The paragraph format for this line must be Head2TOC. You put the actual tabs into *this* line in your reference page. FM then automatically expands the variables to their value for the Head2 entry and inserts the tab. You do not have to put the tabs in manually. You do have to set up the Head2TOC paragraph format. You can edit it just like any other format. Once you have set it up, FM will not overwrite it. You have to define the tab positions and the leader. In my example, you get the "." if you put that in as the leader for the second tab in the paragraph format. You will also want to set the second tab to be a "right" tab so that all your numbers line up on the right. Read the FM online help about tabs. They don't work the same as in MS Word. Paul Pehrson wrote: > Hello fellow Frame users, > > This is my first post to the list; I joined yesterday. I've been using > Frame > for about two years, but I only recently started a job where I'm a lone > writer, in charge of all documentation for my organization. > Previously, I've > been using Frame, but my supervisor was the one who created/updated all > templates, formats, etc., so I didn't really learn to use a lot of > Frame's > features. > > I'm excited to be on this list and to learn from your collective > experience. > > Today I come with two questions. First: is there a way to use an external > formats document similar to a CSS style sheet using unstructured Frame? > > I have four books that I'm developing concurrently. The average book > has 6 > chapters, so I've got a good number of individual .fm documents I'm > working > with. As I go, I'm encountering new format needs. I modify the format > accordingly, but then I have to import that document's formats into > all the > other documents I'm working with. I'd like to know if Frame has an > external > formats document that can be referenced, such that formats changed in > that > document are automatically reflected across all documents that link to > that > formats doc. Does that make sense? Do you know any way to make Frame do > this? (I'm stuck with Frame 7.0 for now.) > > Second: When you build a TOC, is there a way to get Frame to insert a tab > between the heading text and the page number? I'm having to do this > manually > every time I build the book files (which is daily, because I'm making my
Question on external formats and question on TOC settings
Two excellent questions. The first one I have run into before; I just finished working as a lone writer who had to do exactly what you are doing. FM does not have an "external" formats doc. What you can do, though, is apply the formats in a document to all the files in a book. To do this, you open the "style" document, then select all the files in the book, then select File > Import > Formats and choose the formats you want to apply. This will overwrite formats with the same name, add new formats, and leave old formats unchanged. If all you are doing is updating formats, you're set. The new definitions overwrite the old ones. That still leaves you with the issue of "converting" formats. For example, how do you move everything with paragraph format Para2 to a new format Para3? For this, I recommend to you two very useful FM add-ons by Silicon Prairie: Character Tools and Paragraph Tools. You can find a useful description of them, and many other add-ins, at this wonderful site: http://leximation.com/toolsearch/?type=P&baseapp=FM Character Tools and Paragraph Tools were lifesavers for me. In short, they convert characters and paragraphs from one tag format to another. Once you have these tools, your task is much simpler. Another technique: if all you want to do is apply *one* format change, and leave everything else the same, create a throwaway document that contains the new format, delete all the other formats from it, and then apply that document. As you come up with new and improved formats, store them in new template files. For example, store all the formats you use in normal chapters in a chapter template file chapter.fm. You can then start with that and have everything set from the beginning. I can offer more detailed advice, but this is the best I can do late at night! The tab issue is easier to solve, but you do have to understand how generated TOCs work. When FM creates a TOC, it creates a xxxTOC paragraph format for every xxx paragraph format you specify should be in the TOC. So, if you say that you want Head2 format paragraphs listed in the TOC, you automatically get a Head2TOC paragraph format. FM applies the Head2TOC format to Head2 entries it adds in the TOC. *In addition*, FM creates a line in the TOC reference page for the TOC. This line is a mask or template that defines what the Head2 entry will look like. You can modify this line to format Head2 entries. For example, you can put this in (I put tab characters in parentheses for clarity; if you turn on text symbols, you can see them as a single right parenthesis): (tab)<$paratext>(tab)...<$pagenum> The paragraph format for this line must be Head2TOC. You put the actual tabs into *this* line in your reference page. FM then automatically expands the variables to their value for the Head2 entry and inserts the tab. You do not have to put the tabs in manually. You do have to set up the Head2TOC paragraph format. You can edit it just like any other format. Once you have set it up, FM will not overwrite it. You have to define the tab positions and the leader. In my example, you get the "." if you put that in as the leader for the second tab in the paragraph format. You will also want to set the second tab to be a "right" tab so that all your numbers line up on the right. Read the FM online help about tabs. They don't work the same as in MS Word. Paul Pehrson wrote: > Hello fellow Frame users, > > This is my first post to the list; I joined yesterday. I've been using > Frame > for about two years, but I only recently started a job where I'm a lone > writer, in charge of all documentation for my organization. > Previously, I've > been using Frame, but my supervisor was the one who created/updated all > templates, formats, etc., so I didn't really learn to use a lot of > Frame's > features. > > I'm excited to be on this list and to learn from your collective > experience. > > Today I come with two questions. First: is there a way to use an external > formats document similar to a CSS style sheet using unstructured Frame? > > I have four books that I'm developing concurrently. The average book > has 6 > chapters, so I've got a good number of individual .fm documents I'm > working > with. As I go, I'm encountering new format needs. I modify the format > accordingly, but then I have to import that document's formats into > all the > other documents I'm working with. I'd like to know if Frame has an > external > formats document that can be referenced, such that formats changed in > that > document are automatically reflected across all documents that link to > that > formats doc. Does that make sense? Do you know any way to make Frame do > this? (I'm stuck with Frame 7.0 for now.) > > Second: When you build a TOC, is there a way to get Frame to insert a tab > between the heading text and the page number? I'm having to do this > manually > every time I build the book files (which is daily, because I'm making my
Question on external formats and question on TOC settings
Hello fellow Frame users, This is my first post to the list; I joined yesterday. I've been using Frame for about two years, but I only recently started a job where I'm a lone writer, in charge of all documentation for my organization. Previously, I've been using Frame, but my supervisor was the one who created/updated all templates, formats, etc., so I didn't really learn to use a lot of Frame's features. I'm excited to be on this list and to learn from your collective experience. Today I come with two questions. First: is there a way to use an external formats document similar to a CSS style sheet using unstructured Frame? I have four books that I'm developing concurrently. The average book has 6 chapters, so I've got a good number of individual .fm documents I'm working with. As I go, I'm encountering new format needs. I modify the format accordingly, but then I have to import that document's formats into all the other documents I'm working with. I'd like to know if Frame has an external formats document that can be referenced, such that formats changed in that document are automatically reflected across all documents that link to that formats doc. Does that make sense? Do you know any way to make Frame do this? (I'm stuck with Frame 7.0 for now.) Second: When you build a TOC, is there a way to get Frame to insert a tab between the heading text and the page number? I'm having to do this manually every time I build the book files (which is daily, because I'm making my in-process work available to our internal developers and support people). I'm just sure there must be some place where I can tell Frame that I want a tab between the heading text and the page number. I just can't find it. Any help available? Thanks. I look forward to participating in the Framers online community. Paul Pehrson Midvale, UT ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
Question on external formats and question on TOC settings
Hello fellow Frame users, This is my first post to the list; I joined yesterday. I've been using Frame for about two years, but I only recently started a job where I'm a lone writer, in charge of all documentation for my organization. Previously, I've been using Frame, but my supervisor was the one who created/updated all templates, formats, etc., so I didn't really learn to use a lot of Frame's features. I'm excited to be on this list and to learn from your collective experience. Today I come with two questions. First: is there a way to use an external formats document similar to a CSS style sheet using unstructured Frame? I have four books that I'm developing concurrently. The average book has 6 chapters, so I've got a good number of individual .fm documents I'm working with. As I go, I'm encountering new format needs. I modify the format accordingly, but then I have to import that document's formats into all the other documents I'm working with. I'd like to know if Frame has an external formats document that can be referenced, such that formats changed in that document are automatically reflected across all documents that link to that formats doc. Does that make sense? Do you know any way to make Frame do this? (I'm stuck with Frame 7.0 for now.) Second: When you build a TOC, is there a way to get Frame to insert a tab between the heading text and the page number? I'm having to do this manually every time I build the book files (which is daily, because I'm making my in-process work available to our internal developers and support people). I'm just sure there must be some place where I can tell Frame that I want a tab between the heading text and the page number. I just can't find it. Any help available? Thanks. I look forward to participating in the Framers online community. Paul Pehrson Midvale, UT
