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JAbramoffTDYFLIR
Known Participant
Jun 7, 2022 4:30 AM UTC
Answered

FrameMaker to IDML?

Hello.

Is it possible to convert FM source files or published output into IDML?

Thank you.

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      Stefan GentzCorrect answer
      Legend
      Jun 7, 2022 11:47 AM UTC

      Hi,

       

      Yes. XLIFF is another option. However, for a new workflow I would always make a test! Export to XLIFF, send the files to the translation agency, ask them to do some changes and send everything back. Then you can test, if you can import the changed XLIFF file without any issues.

      The translation agency should also check, if their translation memory can be applied without any reductions.

       

      Translation agency and MIF:

      Some translation memory systems need a special filter for InDesign IDML or MIF files. If they have only the InDesign filter, they would have to buy the MIF filter as well. This might be a reason, why they would prefer IDML files.

       

       Best regards

       

      Winfried


      I'm not aware of any translation tool that does not ship with both IDML and MIF filters out-of-the-box. All these tools support IDML and MIF on a very good level.

      However, regarding XLIFF, I strongly suggest to move to an XLIFF-based translation workflow. Adobe supports XLIFF-based translation in both RoboHelp and FrameMaker since the Summer 2020 release.

      In a webinar earlier this year, we explained how this works, and why it is important to go the XLIFF route over MIF: https://go-global-with-fm-and-rh-2022.meetus.adobeevents.com/

       

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      12 replies

      JAbramoffTDYFLIRAuthor
      Known Participant
      Jun 7, 2022 7:32 AM UTC

      We would send IDML files to be translated, so I should have also asked whether it is possible to convert the translated IDML files back into MIF / FM files.

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        FrameMaker-dk
        Community Expert
        FrameMaker-dkCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        Jun 7, 2022 7:43 AM UTC

        I don't think so. And not a route I would advice take anyways. The document model of FrameMaker and InDesign are quite different. So while you CAN have your FM document converted to IDML, the result does come with some caveats and should be used when you have need to change publishing system. But is not usable as part of a general workflow.

        Are you contemplating this solution because your translator prefers to work in InDesign?

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        Bjørn Smalbro - FrameMaker.dk
        JAbramoffTDYFLIRAuthor
        Known Participant
        Jun 7, 2022 7:56 AM UTC

        After writing that, it dawned on me that we actually don't have any reason to convert the translated IDML files back into MIF / FM files. To whomever I pass along the MIF files will open them and save them as IDML files. Then, they will open the translated IDML files, do whatever they have to do, and publish them to PDF.
        I don't know whether the translation service prefers to work in InDesign, but it looks like only Marketing documents are currently translated. That could explain why they send IDML files out for translation.
        Again, thank you very much.

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          FrameMaker-dk
          Community Expert
          FrameMaker-dkCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          Jun 7, 2022 7:28 AM UTC

          Yes it is. If you convert from MIF.

          https://www.dtptools.com/product.asp?id=mfid

          I have tried it and it works execellent.

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          Bjørn Smalbro - FrameMaker.dk
          JAbramoffTDYFLIRAuthor
          Known Participant
          Jun 7, 2022 7:30 AM UTC

          Thank you, StudioSm

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