Conversion of framemaker virtual book to pdf

[Asha_Rayakar]

How can we convert a series of framemaker files into a single pdf ? What are the specific framemaker APIs that has to be used for this conversion ?

[Russ Ward]

Hi,

I don't think you can create any concept of a "virtual" book. I believe that FM will always force a new PDF for each individual file.

That said, why not just create a real book?  Use the FDK to open a book template from somewhere, then add each file as a new component. Then you can PDF the book to get the desired result. If you have no use for the book afterwards, simply destroy it.

This would not require a lot of code. Is this what you are looking for, or do you need more help?  I can probably suggest some starting points within the FDK.

Russ

[Asha_Rayakar]

Hi Russ,

We are using a virtual book which has the reference to chapters to be included in the book. We retrieve these chapters which are separate framemaker files and then we have to merge these files into a single post script file and render a pdf version.

It would be helpful if you could give me some pointers on how to create this single post script file using framemaker APIs or how can we create a real book from these files and then render it as a pdf?

Thanks,

Asha

[Russ Ward]

Asha,

I would create a "template" book and save it somewhere, just some empty book that can be reused at will. Or perhaps maybe have some front/back matter static material such as a TOC, etc., if your PDFs require that. Then, for each PDF action:

1 - Use F_ApiOpen() to open the template book

2 - Use F_ApiNewSeriesObject() to add components to the book, one for each file. When you add a component, you'll need to set several properties. Some which may be of interest are:

- FP_Name - the filename of the component, ie, the filename of the FM file. This one is the most important.

- Numbering properties such as FP_PageNumbering, as applicable

3 - Use F_ApiSave() to create the PDF

This is just a quick overview and there may be other things that need to be done in your case. If you have any more specific questions (except "will you write the code for me "), please feel free to ask.

Russ