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framemaker_user
Inspiring
September 27, 2018
Answered

Book file: Autonumbering

  • September 27, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 1421 views

Hi -

I have a book file with 3 chapters set up:

front matter i-iv

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Looking to get numbering set up so the Chs 1-3 continue from the previous chapter, with Chapter 1 starting with 1. They start with independent numbering: 1-32, 33-99,100-200.

This is my approach:

1 Select chapters 1-3 and set Continue numbering with Numeric (14). This sets pages up correctly with numbering sequencing to the end of the book.

2 Define numbering for Chapter 1 to start at 1 for Chapter 1 (Numeric - 14) - As soon as I do this step, all the book chapters return to 1-32, 33-99,100 -200.

Anyone know what I'm missing? I've tried this several times.

Thx.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Barb Binder

    Wait, what numbering style are you using? Are you trying to get the total page count into each chapter in the TOC? For example,

    1 of 636

    11 of 636

    13 of 636

    Where 636 is the total number of pages in the book?

    What exactly does it need to look like after you update the numbering?

    ~Barb


    Ok! FrameMaker doesn't have that option. Chapter 3 is working because the Page Count variable value is actually the last page number in the book (636). Chapters 1 and 2 can only access the last page number in their own files.

    The work-around is to add a cross-reference to the last page of the book. See

    Getting the last page number from a book

    ~Barb

    '

    3 replies

    F
    framemaker_userAuthor
    Inspiring
    October 9, 2018

    Yes, that's exactly right. That's the page numbering style I'm using. See screenshots above of the page numbers on the chapter files, if that's helpful.

      F
      framemaker_userAuthor
      Inspiring
      October 9, 2018

      Where the first chapter should say: Page 1 of 636

      2nd Chapter should say 11 of 636.

      You got it exactly. Is there a different method if I am using total page count? Or should I do the page x out of y variable after I do the Page Numbering in the book file? Or other?

      Barb Binder
      Community Expert
      Barb BinderCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      September 28, 2018

      Hi framemaker_user:

      Did you get it to work? I have always had problems (well, for the last 20 years or so) trying to update the radio button options on the left, and changing the Format from the drop down list at the same time. At this point, I tend to change one of them (i.e., Continue numbering from Prev Page in Book) and choose Set (which updates the book) and then return and change the format (i.e., to Roman) and then click Set again (which updates the book again). I have seen the other chapters decide to update themselves so I follow the same procedure to get them back on track.

      Remember that you can select multiple files at once, and then change them at the same time.

      It may take me a few extra steps, but it does always work.

      ~Barb

      ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
        F
        FieryPantone
        Legend
        September 28, 2018

        Glad to hear I'm not the only one! I have concluded that the Numbering properties dialogue can only handle one change at a time, and requires the softly-softly, iterative approach Barb mentions  ;-}

          F
          framemaker_userAuthor
          Inspiring
          September 28, 2018

          Thanks all for your responses. Yes, agreed, it is good to know not the only one. I'm new to Frame, and good to know.

          I get it to work. I set the chapters appropriately re numbers (3 chapters). Then I set the numeric pagination for the chapters. Works great. Then I set the numeric pagination for the front matter with roman numerals. Works great.

          Then I update book.....and it all reverts back. At this point it feels like a bug - I've tried it numerous times now. FM 13 (2015). Can't figure out why update book causes it to revert back. Will sleep on it and review again.

          Many thanks to all the responses. New to Frame, this is definitely a great forum.

          Jeff_Coatsworth
          Community Expert
          Jeff_CoatsworthCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          September 27, 2018

          Not exactly sure what you're trying to achieve - you want each chapter to be page numbered 1-whatever or 1-end of book? When you set Chapter 1 to start at page 1 and then set all the rest of the chapters to continue, you're getting 1-end of book just like you asked it to do.

          F
          framemaker_userAuthor
          Inspiring
          September 27, 2018

          Thx for reply.

          Yes that is correct: I can accurately set Chapters 1-3 with continuous numbering through the end of book.

          The problem comes when I set front matter (2 files: (cover etc)  i-iv and (TOC) v-x. As soon as I set those correctly, the chapters 1-3 convert back to 1-32, 33-99, 100-200.

          Thx

          Jeff_Coatsworth
          Community Expert
          Jeff_CoatsworthCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          September 27, 2018

          Please spell out what you're trying to have it look like. I'm still not sure what you want it to look like when finished...

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