Re: Simplify getting table-based data to FM / PDF
I didn't read all of this but if your data has anything in common you could script it. By in common I mean a set number of columns, or if the data is space-separated, etc. Many people on this list should be able to help you with scripting. On Tue, Jan 18, 2011 at 8:28 AM, Heidi Bailey hbai...@plxtech.com wrote: Hi, Apologies for the length of my query: I don't know how to put it more succinctly! I wonder if anyone has ideas on how to improve a process for taking table-based information (from .reg files, saved to HTML then converted to Word) into FrameMaker and finally made into PDF (as part of a large book). The source info is created by many people typing into mysterious files and parsed by coding. I have no access to these tables or the coding and no ability to maintain either. But they are very well looked after by an intelligent and helpful techie. The source info is highly structured and suitable for keeping in a database. In the smallest instance, the source info translates to 250 A4 pages of tables. In the largest instance (so far), the source info translates to 900 A4 pages. The source is used by many people and only specific parts of it are taken into the book. It is in effect conditionalised so that the view of it I convert only shows the parts I need. Currently I have to: -open the .reg page in IE -save as HTML -open in Word and save as Word -open the Word file in FM -apply FM template -run a (fabulously helpful) Framescript to tidy everything up -create a LoP for various headings in the converted file -create a few cross refs to places in the converted file -do the book and PDF things you usually have to do. Specifically, I am looking for a swifter way to get from source info to either FM or PDF. This means I would like suggestions on: - formats the source info could be in, that quickly and accurately convert to FM or PDF - if going from source straight to PDF, suggestions on how to deal with the LoP and cross refs plus formatting to match the FM template (tools or automation routes) As I have to add navigation (such as cross refs and the LoP), I suspect that there isn't a better way than using FM. Fine by me, but I'm open to ideas. No, I can't train the source inputters to use FM - it's hard enough training them to spell... Please reply directly to me, as I'm on digest. Thanks, Heidi Bailey Technical Author PLX Technology Ltd 25 Milton Park Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4SH Registered in England no 2733820 Registered Address: As Above Tel: +44 (0)1235 824958 Email: hbai...@plxtech.com Web: www.plxtech.com ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as dr_go...@pobox.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/dr_gonzo%40pobox.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. -- Steve Johnson, dr_go...@pobox.com ___ 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.
Simplify getting table-based data to FM / PDF
Hi, Apologies for the length of my query: I don't know how to put it more succinctly! I wonder if anyone has ideas on how to improve a process for taking table-based information (from .reg files, saved to HTML then converted to Word) into FrameMaker and finally made into PDF (as part of a large book). The source info is created by many people typing into mysterious files and parsed by coding. I have no access to these tables or the coding and no ability to maintain either. But they are very well looked after by an intelligent and helpful techie. The source info is highly structured and suitable for keeping in a database. In the smallest instance, the source info translates to 250 A4 pages of tables. In the largest instance (so far), the source info translates to 900 A4 pages. The source is used by many people and only specific parts of it are taken into the book. It is in effect conditionalised so that the view of it I convert only shows the parts I need. Currently I have to: -open the .reg page in IE -save as HTML -open in Word and save as Word -open the Word file in FM -apply FM template -run a (fabulously helpful) Framescript to tidy everything up -create a LoP for various headings in the converted file -create a few cross refs to places in the converted file -do the book and PDF things you usually have to do. Specifically, I am looking for a swifter way to get from source info to either FM or PDF. This means I would like suggestions on: - formats the source info could be in, that quickly and accurately convert to FM or PDF - if going from source straight to PDF, suggestions on how to deal with the LoP and cross refs plus formatting to match the FM template (tools or automation routes) As I have to add navigation (such as cross refs and the LoP), I suspect that there isn't a better way than using FM. Fine by me, but I'm open to ideas. No, I can't train the source inputters to use FM - it's hard enough training them to spell... Please reply directly to me, as I'm on digest. Thanks, Heidi Bailey Technical Author PLX Technology Ltd 25 Milton Park Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4SH Registered in England no 2733820 Registered Address: As Above Tel: +44 (0)1235 824958 Email: hbai...@plxtech.com Web: www.plxtech.com ___ 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: Simplify getting table-based data to FM / PDF
Could you give us some more info on the .reg file and format please? Only extension I can find or am familiar with is a Windows Registry file and I don't think that's it. But if it's basically a text file or XML, it should be able to be parsed into frame earlier in the workflow. 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 On Tue, Jan 18, 2011 at 9:28 AM, Heidi Bailey hbai...@plxtech.com wrote: Hi, Apologies for the length of my query: I don't know how to put it more succinctly! I wonder if anyone has ideas on how to improve a process for taking table-based information (from .reg files, saved to HTML then converted to Word) into FrameMaker and finally made into PDF (as part of a large book). The source info is created by many people typing into mysterious files and parsed by coding. I have no access to these tables or the coding and no ability to maintain either. But they are very well looked after by an intelligent and helpful techie. The source info is highly structured and suitable for keeping in a database. In the smallest instance, the source info translates to 250 A4 pages of tables. In the largest instance (so far), the source info translates to 900 A4 pages. The source is used by many people and only specific parts of it are taken into the book. It is in effect conditionalised so that the view of it I convert only shows the parts I need. Currently I have to: -open the .reg page in IE -save as HTML -open in Word and save as Word -open the Word file in FM -apply FM template -run a (fabulously helpful) Framescript to tidy everything up -create a LoP for various headings in the converted file -create a few cross refs to places in the converted file -do the book and PDF things you usually have to do. Specifically, I am looking for a swifter way to get from source info to either FM or PDF. This means I would like suggestions on: - formats the source info could be in, that quickly and accurately convert to FM or PDF - if going from source straight to PDF, suggestions on how to deal with the LoP and cross refs plus formatting to match the FM template (tools or automation routes) As I have to add navigation (such as cross refs and the LoP), I suspect that there isn't a better way than using FM. Fine by me, but I'm open to ideas. No, I can't train the source inputters to use FM - it's hard enough training them to spell... Please reply directly to me, as I'm on digest. Thanks, Heidi Bailey Technical Author PLX Technology Ltd 25 Milton Park Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4SH Registered in England no 2733820 Registered Address: As Above Tel: +44 (0)1235 824958 Email: hbai...@plxtech.com Web: www.plxtech.com ___ 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.
RE: Simplify getting table-based data to FM / PDF
I Googled .reg file extension and only came up with Windows registry files so more info on the structure of your source files would be helpful. If the source info can be stored in a database then I'd look at database publishing examples in chapter 8 of the Framemaker MIF Reference: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/FrameMaker/9.0/MIF_Reference/MIF_Reference.pdf The reference gives a good overview of the basics but leaves a lot to your imagination to create a working application. I'm not a Frame expert but I managed to create an application using an MS Access database and VBA code to output a MIF file that can contain hundreds of tables and incorporates my template so that I can open a fully formatted Frame document with one click. I'd be glad to share more info if you want to pursue this route. Steve Pawlowskis Technology Coordinator Kaufman Company Inc. 19 Walkhill Road Norwood MA 02062 Direct: 617-218-1765 Mobile: 774-437-1410 Toll Free: 800-338-8023 Fax: 671-218-1746 -Original Message- From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Heidi Bailey Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 9:29 AM To: framers@lists.frameusers.com Subject: Simplify getting table-based data to FM / PDF Hi, Apologies for the length of my query: I don't know how to put it more succinctly! I wonder if anyone has ideas on how to improve a process for taking table-based information (from .reg files, saved to HTML then converted to Word) into FrameMaker and finally made into PDF (as part of a large book). The source info is created by many people typing into mysterious files and parsed by coding. I have no access to these tables or the coding and no ability to maintain either. But they are very well looked after by an intelligent and helpful techie. The source info is highly structured and suitable for keeping in a database. In the smallest instance, the source info translates to 250 A4 pages of tables. In the largest instance (so far), the source info translates to 900 A4 pages. The source is used by many people and only specific parts of it are taken into the book. It is in effect conditionalised so that the view of it I convert only shows the parts I need. Currently I have to: -open the .reg page in IE -save as HTML -open in Word and save as Word -open the Word file in FM -apply FM template -run a (fabulously helpful) Framescript to tidy everything up -create a LoP for various headings in the converted file -create a few cross refs to places in the converted file -do the book and PDF things you usually have to do. Specifically, I am looking for a swifter way to get from source info to either FM or PDF. This means I would like suggestions on: - formats the source info could be in, that quickly and accurately convert to FM or PDF - if going from source straight to PDF, suggestions on how to deal with the LoP and cross refs plus formatting to match the FM template (tools or automation routes) As I have to add navigation (such as cross refs and the LoP), I suspect that there isn't a better way than using FM. Fine by me, but I'm open to ideas. No, I can't train the source inputters to use FM - it's hard enough training them to spell... Please reply directly to me, as I'm on digest. Thanks, Heidi Bailey Technical Author PLX Technology Ltd 25 Milton Park Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4SH Registered in England no 2733820 Registered Address: As Above Tel: +44 (0)1235 824958 Email: hbai...@plxtech.com Web: www.plxtech.com ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as ste...@kaufmanco.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/stevep%40kaufmanco.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. Kaufman Company scans and filters all incoming e-mail for viruses, SPAM and questionable material. ___ 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.
Simplify getting table-based data to FM / PDF
Hi, Apologies for the length of my query: I don't know how to put it more succinctly! I wonder if anyone has ideas on how to improve a process for taking table-based information (from .reg files, saved to HTML then converted to Word) into FrameMaker and finally made into PDF (as part of a large book). The source info is created by many people typing into mysterious files and parsed by coding. I have no access to these tables or the coding and no ability to maintain either. But they are very well looked after by an intelligent and helpful techie. The source info is highly structured and suitable for keeping in a database. In the smallest instance, the source info translates to 250 A4 pages of tables. In the largest instance (so far), the source info translates to 900 A4 pages. The source is used by many people and only specific parts of it are taken into the book. It is in effect conditionalised so that the view of it I convert only shows the parts I need. Currently I have to: -open the .reg page in IE -save as HTML -open in Word and save as Word -open the Word file in FM -apply FM template -run a (fabulously helpful) Framescript to tidy everything up -create a LoP for various headings in the converted file -create a few cross refs to places in the converted file -do the book and PDF things you usually have to do. Specifically, I am looking for a swifter way to get from source info to either FM or PDF. This means I would like suggestions on: - formats the source info could be in, that quickly and accurately convert to FM or PDF - if going from source straight to PDF, suggestions on how to deal with the LoP and cross refs plus formatting to match the FM template (tools or automation routes) As I have to add navigation (such as cross refs and the LoP), I suspect that there isn't a better way than using FM. Fine by me, but I'm open to ideas. No, I can't train the source inputters to use FM - it's hard enough training them to spell... Please reply directly to me, as I'm on digest. Thanks, Heidi Bailey Technical Author PLX Technology Ltd 25 Milton Park Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4SH Registered in England no 2733820 Registered Address:? As Above Tel: +44 (0)1235 824958 Email: hbailey at plxtech.com Web: www.plxtech.com
Simplify getting table-based data to FM / PDF
Could you give us some more info on the .reg file and format please? Only extension I can find or am familiar with is a Windows Registry file and I don't think that's it. But if it's basically a text file or XML, it should be able to be parsed into frame earlier in the workflow. 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 On Tue, Jan 18, 2011 at 9:28 AM, Heidi Bailey wrote: > Hi, > > Apologies for the length of my query: I don't know how to put it more > succinctly! > > I wonder if anyone has ideas on how to improve a process for taking > table-based information (from .reg files, saved to HTML then converted to > Word) into FrameMaker and finally made into PDF (as part of a large book). > > The source info is created by many people typing into mysterious files and > parsed by coding. I have no access to these tables or the coding and ?no > ability to maintain either. But they are very well looked after by an > intelligent and helpful techie. > The source info is highly structured and suitable for keeping in a database. > In the smallest instance, the source info translates to 250 A4 pages of > tables. In the largest instance (so far), the source info translates to 900 > A4 pages. > The source is used by many people and only specific parts of it are taken > into the book. It is in effect conditionalised so that the view of it I > convert only shows the parts I need. > > Currently I have to: > -open the .reg page in IE > -save as HTML > -open in Word and save as Word > -open the Word file in FM > -apply FM template > -run a (fabulously helpful) Framescript to tidy everything up > -create a LoP for various headings in the converted file > -create a few cross refs to places in the converted file > -do the book and PDF things you usually have to do. > > Specifically, I am looking for a swifter way to get from source info to > either FM or PDF. This means I would like suggestions on: > - formats the source info could be in, that quickly and accurately convert to > FM or PDF > - if going from source straight to PDF, suggestions on how to deal with the > LoP and cross refs plus formatting to match the FM template (tools or > automation routes) > > As I have to add navigation (such as cross refs and the LoP), I suspect that > there isn't a better way than using FM. Fine by me, but I'm open to ideas. > > No, I can't train the source inputters to use FM - it's hard enough training > them to spell... > > Please reply directly to me, as I'm on digest. > > Thanks, > > Heidi Bailey > Technical Author > > PLX Technology Ltd > 25 Milton Park > Abingdon > Oxfordshire > OX14 4SH > > Registered in England no 2733820 > Registered Address:? As Above > > Tel: +44 (0)1235 824958 > Email: hbailey at plxtech.com > Web: www.plxtech.com > > > ___ > > > 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. >
Simplify getting table-based data to FM / PDF
I Googled .reg file extension and only came up with Windows registry files so more info on the structure of your source files would be helpful. If the source info can be stored in a database then I'd look at database publishing examples in chapter 8 of the Framemaker MIF Reference: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/FrameMaker/9.0/MIF_Reference/MIF_Reference.pdf The reference gives a good overview of the basics but leaves a lot to your imagination to create a working application. I'm not a Frame expert but I managed to create an application using an MS Access database and VBA code to output a MIF file that can contain hundreds of tables and incorporates my template so that I can open a fully formatted Frame document with one click. I'd be glad to share more info if you want to pursue this route. Steve Pawlowskis Technology Coordinator Kaufman Company Inc. 19 Walkhill Road Norwood MA 02062 Direct: 617-218-1765 Mobile: 774-437-1410 Toll Free: 800-338-8023 Fax: 671-218-1746 -Original Message- From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Heidi Bailey Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 9:29 AM To: framers at lists.frameusers.com Subject: Simplify getting table-based data to FM / PDF Hi, Apologies for the length of my query: I don't know how to put it more succinctly! I wonder if anyone has ideas on how to improve a process for taking table-based information (from .reg files, saved to HTML then converted to Word) into FrameMaker and finally made into PDF (as part of a large book). The source info is created by many people typing into mysterious files and parsed by coding. I have no access to these tables or the coding and no ability to maintain either. But they are very well looked after by an intelligent and helpful techie. The source info is highly structured and suitable for keeping in a database. In the smallest instance, the source info translates to 250 A4 pages of tables. In the largest instance (so far), the source info translates to 900 A4 pages. The source is used by many people and only specific parts of it are taken into the book. It is in effect conditionalised so that the view of it I convert only shows the parts I need. Currently I have to: -open the .reg page in IE -save as HTML -open in Word and save as Word -open the Word file in FM -apply FM template -run a (fabulously helpful) Framescript to tidy everything up -create a LoP for various headings in the converted file -create a few cross refs to places in the converted file -do the book and PDF things you usually have to do. Specifically, I am looking for a swifter way to get from source info to either FM or PDF. This means I would like suggestions on: - formats the source info could be in, that quickly and accurately convert to FM or PDF - if going from source straight to PDF, suggestions on how to deal with the LoP and cross refs plus formatting to match the FM template (tools or automation routes) As I have to add navigation (such as cross refs and the LoP), I suspect that there isn't a better way than using FM. Fine by me, but I'm open to ideas. No, I can't train the source inputters to use FM - it's hard enough training them to spell... Please reply directly to me, as I'm on digest. Thanks, Heidi Bailey Technical Author PLX Technology Ltd 25 Milton Park Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4SH Registered in England no 2733820 Registered Address:? As Above Tel: +44 (0)1235 824958 Email: hbailey at plxtech.com Web: www.plxtech.com ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as stevep at kaufmanco.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/stevep%40kaufmanco.com Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. Kaufman Company scans and filters all incoming e-mail for viruses, SPAM and questionable material.
Simplify getting table-based data to FM / PDF
I didn't read all of this but if your data has anything in common you could script it. By "in common" I mean a set number of columns, or if the data is space-separated, etc. Many people on this list should be able to help you with scripting. On Tue, Jan 18, 2011 at 8:28 AM, Heidi Bailey wrote: > Hi, > > Apologies for the length of my query: I don't know how to put it more > succinctly! > > I wonder if anyone has ideas on how to improve a process for taking > table-based information (from .reg files, saved to HTML then converted to > Word) into FrameMaker and finally made into PDF (as part of a large book). > > The source info is created by many people typing into mysterious files and > parsed by coding. I have no access to these tables or the coding and ?no > ability to maintain either. But they are very well looked after by an > intelligent and helpful techie. > The source info is highly structured and suitable for keeping in a database. > In the smallest instance, the source info translates to 250 A4 pages of > tables. In the largest instance (so far), the source info translates to 900 > A4 pages. > The source is used by many people and only specific parts of it are taken > into the book. It is in effect conditionalised so that the view of it I > convert only shows the parts I need. > > Currently I have to: > -open the .reg page in IE > -save as HTML > -open in Word and save as Word > -open the Word file in FM > -apply FM template > -run a (fabulously helpful) Framescript to tidy everything up > -create a LoP for various headings in the converted file > -create a few cross refs to places in the converted file > -do the book and PDF things you usually have to do. > > Specifically, I am looking for a swifter way to get from source info to > either FM or PDF. This means I would like suggestions on: > - formats the source info could be in, that quickly and accurately convert to > FM or PDF > - if going from source straight to PDF, suggestions on how to deal with the > LoP and cross refs plus formatting to match the FM template (tools or > automation routes) > > As I have to add navigation (such as cross refs and the LoP), I suspect that > there isn't a better way than using FM. Fine by me, but I'm open to ideas. > > No, I can't train the source inputters to use FM - it's hard enough training > them to spell... > > Please reply directly to me, as I'm on digest. > > Thanks, > > Heidi Bailey > Technical Author > > PLX Technology Ltd > 25 Milton Park > Abingdon > Oxfordshire > OX14 4SH > > Registered in England no 2733820 > Registered Address:? As Above > > Tel: +44 (0)1235 824958 > Email: hbailey at plxtech.com > Web: www.plxtech.com > > > ___ > > > You are currently subscribed to framers as dr_gonzo at pobox.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/dr_gonzo%40pobox.com > > Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit > http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. > -- Steve Johnson, dr_gonzo at pobox.com
