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rlauriston
Inspiring
October 5, 2011
Answered

Convert FrameMaker source to RoboHelp source?

  • October 5, 2011
  • 2 replies
  • 1892 views

Is there some way to do a one-way conversion from FrameMaker to RoboHelp HTML (or, failing that, RoboHelp Word), so you could work 100% in RH?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer RoboAsh

    Hi Robert,

              from the original project you need to export the .isf files (from File->project settings dialog on the import TAB you will find Export option) which contains all the mapping information, then you can use this .isf file before importing in a fresh RoboHelp project.

    For good results you can Link a sample Frame document (which has all the styles in the catalog that you use) and then import the above .isf file in the project, now on importing the FrameMaker book you will see all the mapping applied, on the generated HTML topics.

    Hope this will help

    Ashish

    2 replies

    johndaigle
    johndaigle
    Legend
    October 5, 2011

    Hi, Robert.

    If I understand correctly, you should be able to use the File > Import > FrameMaker files to your RoboHelp project. This will have the effect of converting the content to HTML in RoboHelp. At that point it is no longer connected to the original FM documents and you edit, generate as you would any RH project. This work flow is different from the File > Link > FrameMaker document. If you chose Link, then the author would continue to work in Frame and use the update command in RoboHelp.

    It sounds like you would want the Import scenario. You will definitely want to see this Online Help topic to get you started.

    http://help.adobe.com/en_US/robohelp/robohtml/WSF26099DE-20C9-4488-8187-4383A5661229.html

    In my limited experience with FrameMaker, I have found this workflow to work well, once you spend some time "mapping" your FM styles to the RoboHelp styles. There are some terrific videos on this process you might also watch.

    This one is on Mapping FrameMaker Styles In RoboHelp

    http://tv.adobe.com/watch/single-sourcing-and-multi-channel-publishing-in-technical-communication/mapping-framemaker-styles-to-css-styles-in-robohelp/

    This seminar covers a broader aspect for FM and RH but might be of help.

    http://rjacquez.com/whats-new-in-framemaker-10-robohelp-9-and-adobe-techcomm-suite-3-webinars/

    John Daigle

    Adobe Certified RoboHelp and Captivate Instructor

    Evergreen, Colorado

    www.showmethedemo.com

    John DaigleAdobe Certified RoboHelp and Captivate InstructorNewport, Oregon
    R
    rlauristonAuthor
    Inspiring
    October 5, 2011

    Since we're using RoboHelp already to generate WebHelp from the FrameMaker source, shouldn't the mapping be done already?

    johndaigle
    johndaigle
    Legend
    October 5, 2011

    Oh. I forgot you were apparently already using the FM to RoboHelp linking process and mapping may already be settled. So, what you suggest makes sense. I think a quick test of Importing a document will validate how "clean" the process is. Maybe you already have an .isf file that can be configured in Project Settings > Import tab > Load Settings From field and locate an .isf file (RoboHelp Import Settings File)  you may have created previously. Or, maybe this is already done if you are working on an existing project.

    John DaigleAdobe Certified RoboHelp and Captivate InstructorNewport, Oregon
    Peter Grainge
    Community Expert
    Peter GraingeCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 5, 2011

    In RoboHelp File > Import

    See www.grainge.org for RoboHelp and Authoring tips

    @petergrainge

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