XPath in Structured FrameMaker?

Hello All,
We have a proprietary XML format. We've built a custom structured application (EDD, template, read/write rules) in FM12. How does FrameMaker support XPath (or anything that works similarly to XPath)? Is it possible to manipulate our custom XML elements using XPath and/or ExtendScript? For example, is it possible to find an element by an XPath query or something similar to XPath programmatically?
Many thanks!

Hi Alex...
FM12 does support XPath interactively in the code view, but I don't think there's an API for it. One option is to use the API for FrameSLT provided by WestStreet Consulting ..
http://www.weststreetconsulting.com/WSC_FrameSLT.htm
While you're there be sure to grab the ExtendScript examples ..
http://www.weststreetconsulting.com/WSC_ExtendScriptSamples.htm
Great stuff!
...scott

Similar Messages

How can I get XML cross-references to translate to Structured FrameMaker?

I've been using Structured FrameMaker from the beginning, and have designed many EDDs, and about 10 years ago I did some translation of SGML into Structured FrameMaker (7.2) which worked well.
Now, (with FrameMaker 10), I've had to design an EDD to translate XML documents into Structured FrameMaker.
In my EDD I've a CrossReference element called XRef; this has an attribute of ID, which in turn has a value of IDReference and has Special AttributeConrols of ReadOnly.
My target elements in the EDD all have an ID attribute with a value of UniqueID.
My XML document's target xref element has an attribute of linkend, and in XML this works as I'd expect.
When I pass the XML file through the EDD/Template, everything works except that I get an ID = no value, which, of course, results in no display of the cross-reference data in the document.
Oddly, in structured FrameMaker, my element of link, with an attribute of linkend, works as it should, and displays the data. It may not be important, but the value for linkend is IDReference not UniqueID, and this displays correctly (I changed this attribute's value to Unique ID in my EDD and it made no difference to the XRef value in my document).
After making all these EDD changes, I've been careful to save the changes, import them to all files in my book and finally update the book.   Everything hangs together - except, of course, that the cross-reference doesn't work.
I'd sincerely appreciate any help or advice other users might have because I'm quite frankly stumped.

Russ,
Sorry about the delay in replying; got sidetracked trying to fix some FrameMaker 10 problems; on occasion, it laughs and crashes if we copy an element in a document and paste it to somewhere illegal. This doesn't happen all the time, but it might be something someone might do, so it was interesting to know.
Anyway, back to cross-references.
In our r/w rules we have:
"linkend" is fm attribute "ID";
Can we also have a similar line under the cross-reference element as:
element "xref"
     is fm cross-reference element "XRef";
     attribute "linkend" is fm property cross-reference id;
     attribute "role" is fm property cross-reference format;
At the moment the second line is:
.....attribute ID is fm property cross-reference id;
I tried adding the attribute "linkend" is fm property cross-reference id; (so that I had both linkend and ID) bit but this made no difference.
In general use cross-references work, in that it picks up data in one place in the document, e.g. WorldWideWeb, and repeats it elsewhere.   So in our xml file we have a link element with an attribute linkend which, when it's processed (ignoring the handshake code used to link the two - which could be something vague like 12345vvdog), repeats whatever is the target.
Conversely, for a cross-reference, in xml they use an xref element which also has a linkend attribute (similar mysterious secret handshake behind the scenes) which is deemed to point to a list of references.   This looks like it might be the stumbling block in that it links to an area in the xml document which is used as an internally generated list of references. Apparently this is only built when the xml book equivelent is finalised, so is not, like the link and linkend coupling described above.
I've passed this back to the xml people, and they are investigating a different way of preparing their cross-reference to a list of references (I'm now thoroughly confused with all these references - good thing the weekend's just around the corner).
I appreciate all you help and advice, I'll admit that this is a lot more difficult to understand than straight-forward EDD element creation along with their respective attributes.   Life used to be so much more simple back then!
In sum, what I thought I was doing was allowing an ID attribute with a value of IDReference in my elements, this was deemed to allow for FrameMaker cross-referencing.   In Structured FrameMaker, on its own, this works just fine; it all fell flat on its face when trying to import xml.   I tried to see whether the xref element's ID attribute could also be a UniqueID, but as just about everyone has said, this is a silly idea.   I was just trying stuff to see whether it might make a difference - you'll not be surprised to see that it didn't!
For the moment, I have attributes called ID with a value of IDReference, and I understand you're all suggesting to leave it at that.
If I understand correctly, I could eventually use an IDRef attribute if I wanted a UniqueID value to be used, though I'm not sure what a UniqueID is used or useful for, so will file that for future use.
Again, thanks for the advice and help.
Chris

Broken links when PDF'ing from Structured Framemaker 8.0 in Windows XP

We have a large number of links in our documents that are created using structured Framemaker 8.0 in a Windows XP environment. The xrefs work fine in FM, but once they have been PDF'd all of the links are broken. Since these are large documents, it can take over a day to relink everything. All links are created using the fm-xref tag and link to other topics/items within the FM book.
Any suggestions for what may be the problem?
I am also posting this in the Framemaker forum.

The Set Destination option isn't working for us either.
This is what we are seeing:
In our source doc, a cross-reference is created using the fm-xref structured tag. At that point the cross-reference works. We create a series of topics using cross-references the same way.
These topics are assembled into ditamaps. The cross-references are still working.
A book is then created and all ditamaps are created as chapters within the book.
At this point, the fm-xrefs stop working. In some cases, they were converted to xrefs instead of retaining the fm-xref tag. At this point, some of the formatting is ignored. For example, an example tag that looks lovely in the left column, suddenly becomes a Heading 1 which is a chapter heading.
Needless to say, the frustration level is very high. I would attach, but it appears that .fm or book files are not an acceptable file type.
Please help us. It may be something terribly simple, that we just can't see anymore because we're cross-eyed from troubleshooting.
We love FM and would like to continue to use it, but not if it causes this type of frustration. In fact, we're considering becoming nurses.

Preserving Chapter Cross References when going to Structured Framemaker

Hello,
I am trying to preserve all of my cross references that link from chapter to chapter, within the same book. If I convert files one at a time, then FrameMaker has trouble finding the link in the destination chapter - because that chapter has not yet been converted to Structured FrameMaker.
I have not tried Batch Processing, but I am sure I would get the same results.
With that said, what must I do to these external chapter cross references, so that they convert over to Structured FrameMaker?
Thanks in advance for your response.
Regards,
Jim

Jim,
Like Russ, I have had to redirect the cross-references manually following conversion; HOWEVER, I have also noticed that existing IDs in the unstructured version seem to get put into the converted element as an attribute. In other words, if my EDD defines a Title element with an Id attribute and the unstructured document contains a title paragraph that is the target of a cross-reference, then upon conversion the corresponding Title element has TWO attributes, one is named Id and the other ID. Id has no value, but ID does. The structured document does not validate and I have to delete the ID attribute to make it validate.
This leads me to believe that had I named the attribute ID in my EDD, then it would be assigned a value upon conversion; however, I have never tried this. If I had, FrameMaker would likely create the Title element with two attributes, both named ID!!!
Take it for what it is worth,
Van

Columns in structured framemaker

I was wondering if there is a way to set up columns in a structured framemaker document without messing up the tagging of the document? Thanks. I tried to make a text box and then tried to tag, but it did not work.
Ashley

Ashley,
Text columns are governed by the text frames on the master pages and not the structure of the content. So, on the master page, select the text frame. Select Graphics > Object Properties. The lower left area of the dialog box has a place to specify the number of columns and the amount of space between them. If you also select Balance Columns, then the bottoms of the columns on the last page will more or less align with each other. To switch back to a single column, just change the master page. The structured content remains the same in both cases.
Van

Converting DITA files to Structured FrameMaker

Hello,
I have DITA files need conversion to structured FrameMaker files. I tried generating conversion table with DITA files and defined elements (of structured FrameMaker that I have) against each element in the table. But this is not working.
Is there any other way to accomplish this task?

To add to Scott's reply, make sure when you open your DITA file in Frame, make sure that you are in the Structured interface (Edit > Preferences > General > Product Interface = Structured FrameMaker). If you are not in the Structured interface, FrameMaker will turn your document into an unstructured document - probably not what you want.
Marsha

Trying to understand structured Framemaker

I want to start a very simple structured Framemaker file, so I can see how it works.
If I select File > New > Explore Structured Templates > Book > Chapter
and I save that file as Chapter,
1. WHERE do I get the EDD from?
The Chapter will compile as an epub.

Use StructureTools > Export Element Catalog as EDD to create an EDD from the document's internal element definitions.
--Lynne

Structured framemaker window does not maximize and other issues

Dear All,
My questions concerns the use of FM11 & FM12 in Structured FrameMaker mode under Windows 8.1.
When FM is started in Structured mode I find that the FrameMaker window is a fraction of the size that it was when operating in Unstructured mode. When the FM (structured) window is maximized instead of the window occupying the full screen as expected it occupies only about 2/3 of the screen. The receptors of dialog buttons (e.g. the OK and CANCEL buttons) are not at the locations of the on screen drawings of the buttons. In short, the Structured FrameMaker interface is not functional. And to be clear the interface of the Unstructured version of the program works in the expected manner.
My reason for operating with Structured FrameMaker in the first place is to workaround a very serious deficiency in the Unstructured version of the program in which attempting to print a book to the Adobe PDF virtual printer causes FrameMaker to crash. Another gripe with FrameMaker is that the Save As PDF file option fails to properly render the document - typically incorrect fonts are used in the output PDF file, equations are clipped, etc. etc. It is this deficiency that means we must print to the Adobe PDF virtual printer.
We are also experiencing intermittent crashing of the program in versions 11 & 12 for no apparent reason whereas previously (version 7, 5.5) the program seemed to be more robust.
Are others experiencing a significant deterioration in the performance of FrameMaker in recent releases? Are you considering changing to a different program? If so, what programs are you considering?
Many thanks,
David.

David,
FYI, the SaveAsPDF route also uses the AdobePDF printer instance, so some of the issues are due to selected output options and Distiller joboptions. Also, both versions (structured and unstructured) use the same output mechanism independent of the interface.
The appearance of the interface is a function of the Workspace selected and any customization done by the user of that interface. You can create your own layouts and save them as required as a custom Workspace.
What did you select when you used the SaveAsPDF - RGB or CMYK? What joboptions file was specified?
Are you using any OTF Pro level or TTF WGL fonts? Is your joboptions file specifying that all fonts be embedded?

Is there any danger in opening an unstructured document in structured Framemaker?

I know that it's not a good idea to open a structured FrameMaker file in the unstructured FrameMaker interface, and that there's a warning about this when you try.
What's come up for us however is whether there's any problem with people using the Structured FrameMaker interface to edit unstructured files.
We have a machine set up for people who are not expert or highly skilled with FrameMaker, and since we have both structured and unstructured documents, the question is whether to leave it set as the structured interface, or the unstructured interface. They're just making small content edits in most cases, for anything more involved they ask me.
So:
If it's set to unstructured:
If they open an unstructured document, all is well.
If they try to open a structured document, they will see the warning. I can tell them what to do if they see it. (This might mean telling them to change to structured, or just to give me that file to edit instead.)
If it's set to structured:
If they open a structured document, no problem.
If they open an unstructured document however -- is there any danger if they edit it that way? Will saving from structured FrameMaker change anything about the file?
In the latter case, opening unstructured in structured Frame, there's no warning, it just opens with a blank structure view window, if they even open that window.
I have to imagine that Adobe separated the two interfaces for a reason, but possibly it has more to do with just not needing all of the resources like XML and DITA menus when you're in unstructured.
I realize that the real answer is not to let people unskilled with FrameMaker use it to edit documents, but this is the way things are for the moment. If it's set to unstructured, they'll have to switch over in order to edit structured files, and then be sure to remember to switch back. Leaving it set as structured in some ways seems the best choice, but only if it won't damage unstructured files that way.
Thanks

timezoned wrote:
I know that it's not a good idea to open a structured FrameMaker file in the unstructured FrameMaker interface, and that there's a warning about this when you try.
What's come up for us however is whether there's any problem with people using the Structured FrameMaker interface to edit unstructured files.
We have a machine set up for people who are not expert or highly skilled with FrameMaker, and since we have both structured and unstructured documents, the question is whether to leave it set as the structured interface, or the unstructured interface. They're just making small content edits in most cases, for anything more involved they ask me.
So:
If it's set to unstructured:
If they open an unstructured document, all is well.
If they try to open a structured document, they will see the warning. I can tell them what to do if they see it. (This might mean telling them to change to structured, or just to give me that file to edit instead.)
If it's set to structured:
If they open a structured document, no problem.
If they open an unstructured document however -- is there any danger if they edit it that way? Will saving from structured FrameMaker change anything about the file?
In the latter case, opening unstructured in structured Frame, there's no warning, it just opens with a blank structure view window, if they even open that window.
I have to imagine that Adobe separated the two interfaces for a reason, but possibly it has more to do with just not needing all of the resources like XML and DITA menus when you're in unstructured.
I realize that the real answer is not to let people unskilled with FrameMaker use it to edit documents, but this is the way things are for the moment. If it's set to unstructured, they'll have to switch over in order to edit structured files, and then be sure to remember to switch back. Leaving it set as structured in some ways seems the best choice, but only if it won't damage unstructured files that way.
Thanks
As Matt notes, the extra structured stuff in the interface may be confusing to users familiar with unstructured FM. However, it will also be confusing when unstructured FM users try to find and use the paragraph and character catalogs, and some other unstructured features that are perfectly usable in structured FM, but are not immediately visible in the structured interface.
One way to improve and simplify the FM environment for users who are able to edit text, but shouldn't be manipulating other tools, is to customize the interface. Search Google for terms like "customizing framemaker" without quotes. Recent FM releases feature the ExtendScript ToolKit, which offers new ways to customize FM, in addition to those in the older methods of modifying the maker.ini and configui files. One option if you follow this path would be to create custom Windows icons that call startup scripts which then call FM. Before the script launches FM, it can copy specified configuration and ini files into the user's environment, so that when FM starts up, it's got just what you design it to have. A simple approach here would be customize unstructured FM's interface to have only the minimum set of menu items and other things you specify, and launch unstructured FM. An icon could be named for the user, like SallyJonesFM, or for the task, like FMUnStrEditing.
I'm sure some folks on the forum have taken an approach like this for their users, and can offer some advice from their vast experience.
HTH
Regards,
Peter
Peter Gold
KnowHow ProServices

Generating HTML from Structured FrameMaker 9

Hi,
My source files are in Structured FrameMaker 9. I need to generate the output in HTML format. Is there a method to do this? Can someone guide me through the process of generating an HTML output?
Regards,
Manish

Hi Manish,
You have a number of options. I'll briefly summarize a few, but all of them involve some measure of complexity so I wouldn't be able to "guide you through" any of them.
- Use a third-party product specifically designed for this, such as Omni Systems' Mif2Go, Quadralay ePublisher, or Adobe Robohelp. If you buy the Adobe TechComm Suite, Robohelp is included. All of these products can convert any FrameMaker document to HTML, with varying levels of additional functionality related to the subsequent generation of common online help formats with that HTML.
- Save your structured files to XML and then use XSLT as a post-process on that XML. This is the more complex option, but if you have the skills, it may be more attractive since you may not have to buy anything and you'll be able to easily customize the process however you want it.
- Use the DITA structure definitions within FrameMaker, then use the DITA Open Toolkit as a post-process to generate HTML from the DITA XML. There is lots of complexity with this as well, but it has some attractiveness as the DITA structured applications and open toolkit are effectively off-the-shelf software. Additionally, everything is free, unless you want to enhance your DITA experience with a third-party addon like DITA FMx from Leximation (recommended).
- Use XHTML as your structure definition within FrameMaker, then save as XML. You'll automatically have HTML when you save your files. FrameMaker includes a structure application for XHTML but I've never used it, so I don't know how well it works. With this option, you would have a more WYSIWYG conveniences while authoring but less control over variations in the HTML output.
There may be more and there certainly are any myriad of combinations of these techiniques. Hopefully this will help get you started. If you did buy the TechComm Suite, consider RoboHelp as a starting point since you already paid for it. The third-party product route is the most expensive in terms of software purchasing, but it is usually the least complex.
One additional note - You will see "Save As HTML" or similar somewhere in the FM menus. It is a very rudimentary feature that is not likely to serve your needs. Might be worth a try since it is already there, but don't get your hopes up on that one.
Good luck,
Russ

Looking for a structured FrameMaker pro to work in Helena MT

Publishing Associate A small privately owned progressive green company that is based in Helena, Montana. We have been involved in the energy conservation field for over twenty years. We are seeking a multi-talented Publications star with established Adobe FrameMaker skills.
Please email a 1-page cover letter and a 2-page resume as attachments.
Qualifications:
5 years + Design/Publications Education and/or Experience
Passionate about energy conservation and environmental protection
Adobe FrameMaker 7.0 or later (Structured FM a big plus)
Fluent in Microsoft Windows and/or Mac OS
Excellent writing and editorial skills
Ability to work well individually and with others a must
Benefits:
$27-$34K to start depending on experience.
Health insurance, Casual dress, Full Time
Located in Helena, Queen City of the Rockies
Outdoor recreation, culture, music easily accessible
Message was edited by: saturnresource

For what it is worth, I am a fan of NuGen, I have both SEQ 1 and 2 and two stereo enhancing tools (stereoizer and stereoplacer I think they're called). Since I have the SEQ 1 it replaces all Channel EQ's. And the stereotools sound great and very lush, in stead of the more usual cheezy combfilterthingies that pass for stereo enhancing tools.
And I actually like the interfaces. Simple, but stylish, functional and ergonomic (in this case meaning you can see all parameters in a quick glance, no guessing at settings).

How to import multiple elements into the same line in structure Framemaker (i.e. no carriage return between elements).

I have a successful import process going now (DTD, EDD, ReadWriteRules, and Template) that imports a number of elements, but each onto a separate line. I now need to import three elements in a row on a single line. How do I set up to do that?

Dear Wild,
A container element a structured document can either be a paragraph element, that contains one or more complete FrameMaker paragraphs (elements corresponding to chapters, titles, and list items, for instance, are typically paragraph elements), or a text range element, with content that comprises part of a paragraph. An EDD doesn't need to identify paragraph elements since containers are paragraphs by default. You make an element a text range with a text format rule that specifies TextRangeFormatting.
In your case, if you have a wrapper element that contains the three elements you want to appear on a single line, in the EDD, add a text format rule for the three inline elements that specifies TextRangeFormatting; specify the formatting of the overall paragraph in the element definition for the wrapper. If you don't have a wrapper, though, the overall paragraph will inherit formatting from whatever the containing element is; the containing element may be the document's root element or a major division such as a chapter or section. If that element's formatting is not what you want here, you can leave the "inline" elements as separate paragraph so that you can specify their formatting, but make the first two run-in heads (which is done in the Placement property of the pagination properties).
--Lynne

AuthorIT and Structured FrameMaker?

Just wondering if anyone has experience with bringing AuthorIT structured documentation into FrameMaker. I know it's a long shot, but....

Hi Candace,
It doesn't sound like a long shot to me. My guess is that the best approach would be to export (publish) the AuthorIT content as XML and import to structured Frame that way. If you can get a good DITA output from AuthorIT, you may be able to use the DITA structured application included with Frame and avoid the step of creating your own, at least in the initial phases.
Note that my response here is really just a broad summary based on concepts. True implementation would require lots of skills with structured content and could take some time to pull off, depending on the skill set(s) that you are working with. Perhaps I misread your post and you already know all this, and are simply looking for someone who can help you do it...
Russ

FrameMaker 11 trial version crashing on save and cross-reference insertion

Hi everyone,
I've recently started a new position. My prior background was heavily DITA, and I'd describe my FrameMaker experience as late beginner or early intermediate. The new position uses FM exclusively though, so I've been on a steep learning curve lately.
I'm using the trial version of FrameMaker 11, downloaded about two weeks ago, until the PO for my full FM 11 license is processed. I'm working in book and document files that have been upgraded, I believe, from FM 9 to FM 10 and then from FM 10 to FM 11. All of my colleagues are still using FM 10, with a mind to upgrade to FM 11 in the spring as our new budget comes through (I am, so to speak, the FM 11 guinea pig for the group).
My workstation is a brand new HP Elitebook laptop running Windows 7 64-bit (I believe our IT department downgraded it from Windows 8). Windows is fully up-to-date. My trial version of FM 11 is 11.0.1.382 and also up-to-date as of this message.
My issue: FM 11 randomly crashes several times a week, sometimes once a day or so, sometimes when I try any of the following:
Saving all files in a book (using Shift + the File menu command)
Saving individual document files (generally using the Save icon in the tool bar)
Attempting to insert a cross-reference (placing the insertion point within the document, then opening the Cross-Reference tool in the right-hand side bar)
The crash takes the appearance of FM freezing for several seconds, then the dreaded message window opening with the words "FrameMaker has detected a serious error and must quit", with columns of error codes below.
I've googled and binged and not found anything for this issue in FM 11, so I thought I'd post here. I have tried the following, based on somewhat similar discussions I've seen for crashes in earlier versions of FM)
Mif-washing the files
Working in the Structured FrameMaker interface instead of the Unstructured
Neither of these has worked. FM 11 trial continues to crash. It doesn't happen often; I'd say that I'm able to successfully able to perform the above tasks 20 times or so, with the crash on the 21st. But on a busy day, that's a few crashes a day.
To mitigate damage, I have autosave set to every two minutes and gotten in the habit of only having one or two documents open, instead of all in a book, to minimize the number of recovery files I need to process.
After one of the initial crashes, I did as Adobe asked and forwarded the crash report to them for troubleshooting.
My colleagues are watching all this very closely, and my troubles might influence our decision to upgrade from FM 10 to FM 11. So any insight into this issue would be appreciated!
Cheers,
Eric

Eric,
The multitude of unesolved x-refs may due to the font issues when updating the book. During an update, if the files aren't open, FM tries to open them in the background but if it encounters an error like a missing font, it skips the file and then any x-refs to that file are unresolved. This can cascade to make things look really worse than they are.
What is your default printer when you start FM? It should be the Adobe PDF prnter instance. If not, then you might want to insatll the Sundorne SetPrint utility (http://www.sundorne.com/FrameMaker/Freeware/setPrint.htm) thta will automatically set this for your FM sessions only.
One other place where fonts can hide is in table definitions. The catalog stores the font information (and not just the explicit paratag) of the cells in the header and first row. As Jeff mentions, you need to check the MIF file in detail. An excellent tool for quickly browsing your MIF is Graham Wideman's Mifbrowse (http://www.wideman-one.com/gw/tech/framemaker/mifbrowse.htm).

How to generate a TOC in Rh8 based on a structured Fm9 book

Hi,
After linking a structured FrameMaker 9 book in RoboHelp 8, is it possible to generate a RoboHelp TOC with the same folder structure?
For example, let's say you've created a structured Fm book which consists of several DITA (XML) topics organized into folders, as shown below.
After linking the book in Rh, is there a way to automatically generate a TOC with the same folder structure, as shown below? The TOC should remain linked, so that any changes you make to the Fm book will also be reflected in the TOC after you update the book in Rh.
Note: As RJ Jacquez demonstrated in Linking FrameMaker 9 Books in RoboHelp 8 via Adobe Technical Communication Suite, this can be achieved with unstructured books and documents by using a TOC generated in Fm. However, if you attempt to use this method with structured documents (such as DITA files), the generated TOC is flattened, i.e., the folder structure is lost.
Does anyone have any ideas or solutions?
PS: I am using the Adobe Technical Communications Suite 2.

Hi there,
When you linked the book in Robohelp, in project manager pod just right click in the linked book and go to properties. There you have an option to select the TOC.
Hope that helps
Thanks
Priyank

XPath in Structured FrameMaker?

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