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indyrose
indyrose
Participant
October 26, 2018
Answered

Switching from InDesign to FrameMaker 11

  • October 26, 2018
  • 1 reply
  • 475 views

I have a new tech writer coming on board who has experience in InDesign, and needs to come up to speed in FrameMaker 11. I've seen a number of comparisons between FrameMaker and InDesign, and the concepts look very similar. Where can I go to show him the differences/similarities without boring him with lengthy explanations of concepts that he has already mastered?

Rosemarie

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

    Hi Rosemarie:

    I'm certified by Adobe to teach both applications. I occasionally have InDesign students moving to FrameMaker, and vice versa. Both applications are used for page layout, and while they have similarities (body pages and master pages, paragraph, character and table styles) they have significant differences in how you approach the layout. I suspect he will be a quick learner, but I would still strongly recommend that you send him to training. The freeform approach that works so well in InDesign will be a disaster in FrameMaker.

    And because so few people move between the two applications, there aren't a lot of resources like the ones you are asking for. Most users stick with one program or the other. I'm one of two people that I know who uses and teaches both, and I've only had a handful of students make the leap from one to the other. I'm sorry I can't be of more help, but if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask me.

    ~Barb

    1 reply

    Barb Binder
    Community Expert
    Barb BinderCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    October 28, 2018

    Hi Rosemarie:

    I'm certified by Adobe to teach both applications. I occasionally have InDesign students moving to FrameMaker, and vice versa. Both applications are used for page layout, and while they have similarities (body pages and master pages, paragraph, character and table styles) they have significant differences in how you approach the layout. I suspect he will be a quick learner, but I would still strongly recommend that you send him to training. The freeform approach that works so well in InDesign will be a disaster in FrameMaker.

    And because so few people move between the two applications, there aren't a lot of resources like the ones you are asking for. Most users stick with one program or the other. I'm one of two people that I know who uses and teaches both, and I've only had a handful of students make the leap from one to the other. I'm sorry I can't be of more help, but if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask me.

    ~Barb

    ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
    milmacrose
    milmacrose
    Known Participant
    October 28, 2018

    Thanks, Barb! Some of the work in the portfolio looked like what we wanted, and he sounded technically savvy. Most of the other people I've talked to have said to wait and see what he can do and tailor a program along those lines. Do you do "custom training" if he only needs certain concepts trained?

    Rosemarie

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

      Hi Rosemarie:

      I certainly do, and sent a private msg early this morning.

      ~Barb

      ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
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