[Closed] FrameMaker 7.x/8 Feature Requests

Features I'd just LOVE:

MAC OS X Native support! I HATE working in Classic, if FrameMaker gets ported, I can drop Classic altogether.

Ability to import FileMaker pro data (via ODBC if necessary), we do lots of large filemaker database imports after converting them to PDF or what-have-you, and it's a pain, especially when something changes at the last minute and we have to do the whole thing over again.

Math calculations in tables: sometimes I just need a simple table, and would like it to add up the numbers in the columns, and keep it updated as we change the numbers from time-to-time.

Import native Photoshop and Illustrator files. I thought it said it could do Illustrator before, but it's never worked for me. I'd like easier importing of Acrobat files, like importing an entire multi-page document, not just one page at a time.

I'd like improved support of making a master page style be tied to a paragraph style, and I'd like NOT to have to run an update to keep it that way when pages get added.

If stability and speed won't be impacted, I agree with many here that spelling on the fly would be great. I can't tell you how many times I forget to run spell checker and convert the documents to PDF only to realize that I'd not checked it, and of course, there are typos...

Ability to assign key combinations to paragraph styles (like Shift+F1, etc., so I don't constantly have to go to the paragraph styles when reformatting documents from other word processors). Less going to the mouse is a good thing.

I use FrameMaker for typing documents more often than word, I'd use it ONLY if it were OS X native.

OTF Ligature support like what InDesign has (for more than just fi and fl ligatures). In fact, I'd like the ability to do all the special text features in Frame that you can do in ID2.

Script-like features that Photoshop and Illustrator has to save actions that you do over and over. AND, have those importable to other computers.

I'm sure I'll think of more, but these are things that'd make my life easier, especially OS X Support (can you tell that latter is the biggie?).

Color gradient facilities should be provided with next version of FM

FrameMaker does not support any type of structure. If it support MathMl it will be very better.
FrameMaker provide equation platte for equation it should also support TeX/LaTeX coding for complex equation like 3B2 support Tex/LaTeX coding for equation.
FrameMaker automatic generate paragraph number but it should also auto generate line number.

Batch files! Hmm, haven't thought of *those* in ten years.

It won't work very well, though, if you have several projects going in numerous directories, and you're adding more directories all the time...

I still want assignable backup folders on the wishlist. (And agree with Bill that *.backup.* files should be locked.)

Writing simple batch files is a lost art, yes. It's been disappearing since the good ol' DOS and 16-bit Windows days. Still, it's not really worth the little effort for me, I can ignore 'em. <g><br /><br />I actually have a batch file that copies my working files up to a notwork directory at night; first it deletes any MIF and BACKUP files. ;?P<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Sean

To be constructive *g*, how about adding the following features to the backup functionality:

• either ability to name a subfolder where *.backup.fm files are saved, or automatically save them to a sub-folder named "backup" -- anywhere except in the main project folder would be cool
• automatically lock the *.backup.fm from editing, so users have to unlock them (Esc Flk) to edit them

Steve, yes it does. I turn it off every time I install FM. Like Sean, I find this feature to be an absolute annoyance. If it saved the .backup files somewhere else (at my determination), then it *might* be useful. But, as it's worked, it does nothing but clutter my project folders. I personally have never needed this feature, as I back everything up myself or everything is backed up nightly by IT. The only time I think this feature would be useful is when I have a core system crash, but even then the .backup file can get hosed as well.

Another reason why I don't like the auto backup feature is due to human error. It adds another layer of training that I would just assume do without. Maybe it's just a case of uninformed user at the helm, but in my time working with FM I've seen some files that others have worked on named as follows:

foo.fm
foo.backup.fm
foo.backup.backup.fm
foo.backup.backup.backup.fm
etc...

It doesn't take a genius to see what is happening here, and it's a nightmare to correct in some cases (depending on how many files are edited in this way).

In File > Preferences > General, doesn't clearing the check box for Automatic Backup on Save turn off the creation of *.backup.fm files?

Hehe. Am surfing on the cutting edge, too, never been cut, though.<br /><br />I never use backup files. Never. And, am still coming to grips with "recover" files. Typically, I revert to last saved or something I've archived.<br /><br />I might be more inclined to use backup files if I could put them somewhere more manageable . . . just because I currently perceive them as nothing more than disorder in my otherwise orderly world <g>.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Sean

In response to Steve Miller, I'd like to see the default to backup turned off... that is, don't allow backup by default.