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bronxguys02
bronxguys02
Known Participant
December 17, 2020
Answered

Skip numbering a couple of pages within a FrameMaker file

  • December 17, 2020
  • 3 replies
  • 642 views

In my FM 10 (!!) project, I have two pages within a Frame file that should not be numbered, and the page after those needs to continue page numbering from the page before the two non-numbered pages. Page 28 is fine. Current pages 29 and 30 should not be numbered, and current page 31 should be page 29. Will I have to do that manually in the footer somehow and not use auto pagination?

 

Thanks.

Margaret

 

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Bob_Niland

    There may be more elegant solutions, but these work:

    1. If the target output is PDF, insert the exception pages with Acrobat Pro or similar.
    2. Split the book component file into 2 files at that page break. Adjust page count for second half file to start on desired page number.

    Messing about with the page number presentation in the footer won't change the metadata that is sent to PDF, for example.

    3 replies

    Barb Binder
    Community Expert
    Barb BinderCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    December 17, 2020

    Being able to restart/change numbering properties in a single file is an other InDesign feature that I wish FrameMaker would implement.

     

    ~Barb 

    ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
      Bob_Niland
      Community Expert
      Bob_NilandCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      December 17, 2020

      Allowing more comprehensive expressions in dialogs and menus would also be very useful, e.g. math.

      Another hack for this might be:

      1. Have two Book files, one without the insert pages, one with.
      2. Do Update Book from the former.
      3. Render to PDF from the latter.

      The insert pages will of course have page numbers, but they could be A, B or some such.

        Barb Binder
        Community Expert
        Barb BinderCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        December 17, 2020

        Hi @Margaret:

         

        FrameMaker doesn't allow you to restart/change numbering properties within a single file. You can control page numbering in the book file, which is why@Bob_Niland's answer is a good option. For example, 

        1. Chapter 1—1-20
        2. Chapter 2 (first half)—21-40
        3. Chapter 2 (insert)—no numbers
        4. Chapter 2 (second half)—set the numbering in the book window to start at 41

             ...

        This allows you to control the whole Fm book yourself. 

         

        Another option is to lay out the FrameMaker document without the insert and allow it to number consecutively. Create the insert as a separate document and ask the printer to insert it for you as the file goes to print (print workflow) or insert it in the PDF (online distribution). 

         

        ~Barb 

         

        Edit: After re-reading @Bob_Niland's response, he presented both options. I'm just more verbose. LOL

        ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
          Bob_Niland
          Community Expert
          Bob_NilandCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          December 17, 2020

          And if splitting a chapter, make sure that for the trailing file, all but the Page number are:
          (•) Continue Numbering from …

          This is still not ideal, because any changes to page count up to the break require manual intervention stewardship of this hack, which won't necessarily be remembered, or conveyed to future document maintainers.

            Bob_Niland
            Community Expert
            Bob_NilandCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
            Community Expert
            December 17, 2020

            There may be more elegant solutions, but these work:

            1. If the target output is PDF, insert the exception pages with Acrobat Pro or similar.
            2. Split the book component file into 2 files at that page break. Adjust page count for second half file to start on desired page number.

            Messing about with the page number presentation in the footer won't change the metadata that is sent to PDF, for example.

              bronxguys02
              bronxguys02Author
              Known Participant
              December 18, 2020

              Thank you for the quick response. Worked like a charm.

              Bob_Niland
              Community Expert
              Bob_NilandCommunity Expert
              Community Expert
              December 18, 2020

              Thanks for the report.
              I suspect that my 3rd suggestion below (dual Books) might be more advantageous from a stewardship standpoint.

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