How do I keep the structure view open after selecting element catalog?

[1roach]

One really irritating feature with FM9 is that the structure view disappears when I open the element catalog. This is precisely what I dont want because I want to see the position that the element takes after it is inserted. Because the structure view disappears every time leads to many problems especially adding invalid structures to the document. As a workaround I copy and paste already used elements within the structure and then empty or adapt the contents to the required need, almost elliminating the need to use the element catalog altogether. But this is time consuming and error prone and I am sure there must be a way to get the element catalog and structure view to display simultaneously.

[Michael_Müller-Hillebrand]

1roach,

There is a way! You apparently have the Structure View floating or opened on demand. Since it is really difficult to describe UI actions in such a feature-rich UI, I recommend you check out RJ Jacquez’ webcast about the new UI, then create your own "Empty" workspace and work from there.

<http://rjacquez.com/framemaker_9_user_interface_on/>

In short: Open a new empty document, then close all pods, windows, toolbars. From the top-right workspace menu save this state as an "Empty" workspace. This allows you to go back to that state whenever you want.

Next, open the Structure View and the Element Catalog. I have them positioned next to each other, docked to the right side of the application window. If your done, don’t forget to save as a workspace.

Another important feature if one of your workspaces is heavily modified: You can always go back to the saved state using the appropriate menu command from the workspace menu. Maybe your current problems will be solved if you switch to the default "Structured" workspace and maybe additionally reset it?

- Michael

Link added by Michael Müller-Hillebrand

[1roach]

Michael

Thanks for your reply.

I got as far as your para 3 "Next, open the Structure View and the Element Catalog...". When I do this I get a dialog with a menu bar giving me ELEMENT | STRUCTURED VIEW. I simply cant get the element catalog and structured view in separate windows. Its always 'either/or'. This is the crux of my whole problem.

[Van Kurtz · Accepted solution]

Roach,

By some probably internal FrameMaker default, the structure view and the element catalog are docked in the same pod. Simply drag the structure view, or the element catalog, by its TAB out from the pod, and drop it outside the pod. Now you can arrange them as you wish. When you save the workspace, FrameMaker will remember this arrangement the next time you open it....at least for awhile. My experience is that through some sequence I have yet to figure out the structure view migrates back into the pod with the element catalog. I do not know why, but it happens about once a month or less. So, no big deal, I just drag it out again, and resave the workspace.

Van

[1roach]

Thanks Van, managed to separate them like you suggested and now I am getting an interface more of what I want as opposed to what FM is forcing on me.