Changing Special Variables in FrameMaker 7.1

[Rupen_Sharma]

Hi,

I use FrameMaker 7.1.

Problem

I have to change a two special variables in many documents. I usually do this by opening the Frame book and changing the variable from the FrameMaker interface. Since there is a large number of books (consequently files), I was wondering if there is an way of doing this from Windows itself.

Possible Solutions

I know of a UNix utility called fmbatch, which might do the job. I have Linux, but am not sure if the Frame files created in Windows would actually work with fmbatch.

Is there a utility out there? I tried using the utility from data source, but it didn't install on my Win XP Pro.

Is XML an option?

Looking forward to your assistance.

Cheers,

Rupen

[Arnis Gubins]

There are a number of ways to do this, but the general approach is to import the updated variables from an existing file into either the individual books or one superbook containing all fo the files to be updated.

There are FM batch utilities available from:

Datazone (DZBatcher at http://www.datazone.com/english/overview/download.html )

Omni Systems (runfm at http://www.omsys.com/dcl/omni.htm )

To do it manually without batch files, either create an FM filw with just the variables that need to be changed or use a MIF snippet and import the Variables from that file into all of the others via book files.

A MIF snippet is simple text file that (for variables) looks like this:

<MIFFile 7.00>

<VariableFormats

<VariableFormat

  <VariableName `Var1'>

  <VariableDef `my stuff'>

> # end of VariableFormat

<VariableFormat

  <VariableName `Var'>

  <VariableDef `something else'>

> # end of VariableFormat

>

For more details on Variables in MIF files, consult your MIF Reference manual in the FM \Online_Documents folder.

[Rupen_Sharma]

Hi Arnis,

Thanks for the prompt response.

I currently change the FrameMaker variables by importing them from a Frame file. The problem with this approach I have to open the Frame Books. When there are more than 50 books to update this can be tedious and can take over an hour.

I tried installing DZbatcher, but for some unknown reason it didn't install on my Win Pro XP. I suspect I am running the 64-bit version (not the 32 bit version).

I haven't tried the MIF approach, but it seems that it also requires the use of the Import command in FrameMaker. Hence, I'll still need to open the FrameMaker books, which is something I'm trying to avoid.

Thanks,

Rupen

[AxialInfo]

Have you checked out Framescript? Definitely could do it in an automated fashion.  http://www.fml.com

DZBatcher does work on XP, although I don't know whether being 64-bit would be an issue.

You might also check out the FM tools list at http://www.leximation.com to see whether there are any other utilities that might work, but Framescript would be the "gold standard" as far as being able to accomplish exactly what you need.

Sheila

[Arnis Gubins]

Rupen,

To make it easier, you have to create a "super-book" that contains *all* of the files that need updating. It's a one time deal to create.

With FM9 it's a lot easier, since you can just include the books that you want to handle together - FM9 allows books within books.