I have worked with both extensively... FrameMaker offers true XML authoring capability. Don't be deceived by a structure view: InDesign is taking steps towards being an XML formatting engine, but really isn't there in terms of authoring. The "map styles to tags" feature, for example, is extremely crude compared to an EDD. The "XML Rules" feature with CS3 definitely extends the XML formatting possibilities considerably (letting you conditionally format or automate based on XPath context), but this requires coding and it still makes InDesign more of a formatting engine for XML than an XML authoring environment. Plenty of headaches with whitespace and other issues if you really try to author in it.
There are several use cases where the InDesign XML support makes sense, for example passing in variable data on the "mail merge" level of complexity, but complex structures like DocBook or DITA remain the domain of FrameMaker. Max Dunn Silicon Publishing www.siliconpublishing.com -----Original Message----- From: framers-bounces+maxdunn=siliconpublishing....@lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-bounces+maxdunn=siliconpublishing.com at lists.frameusers.c om] On Behalf Of John Sgammato Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 8:18 AM To: Frame Users Cc: stclwrsig-l at mailman.stc.org Subject: XML in FrameMaker 8 & InDesign CS3 I am exploring the process of getting my docs structured with the new FrameMaker 8. The process does seem to be improved and the documentation is much, much improved. But last night I was reading the InDesign CS3 info on XML (buried deep in the back of the InDesign manual) and found it to be an excellent intro for the beginner. And the structure view for InDesign looks quite familiar... I am considering playing around with InDesign's structure interface first, to familiarize myself with all the principles and parts, and then advance to FrameMaker. I need to use both eventually because I want to reuse some of the information in my FM manuals in installation posters created in InDesign. Does anyone have experience working with FM8 and InDesign CS3 together? Do you know of landmines and concealed pit traps? John Sgammato Principal Technical Writer Imprivata, Inc. [v] (781) 674-2441 www.imprivata.com "OneSign is single sign-on for the rest of us, with an innovative technology that makes adding almost any application a snap, doing away with manually scripted login procedures, and saving time and money." - Information Security, "Products of the Year", 2006 _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to Framers as maxdunn at siliconpublishing.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/maxdunn%40siliconpub lishing.com Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. IMPORTANT NOTICE: This communication, including any attachment, contains information that may be confidential or privileged, and is intended solely for the entity or individual to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this message and are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution of this message is strictly prohibited. Nothing in this email, including any attachment, is intended to be a legally binding signature. If you have received this information in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or return e-mail and delete this information from your mailbox. Thank you.
