Quicksilver

[Guest]

Is it possible (and hopefully straightforward) to import Quicksilver/Interleaf files into FrameMaker? I have searched the forums but can't find any related questions. There doesn't seem to be an import option for these files (.ildoc). I am using FM9 on Vista.

Thanks

Stu

[ReactionAtWork]

I've been using FM for about 3-4 years now and have converted all my main QS document templates into FM. When I first obtained FM I had a quick search around, and didn't find any easy (and cheap) way to convert Interleaf/QS to FM. So I decided to use the conversion job as a way of getting up to speed with FrameMaker.

I have just been manually converting the last of my old QuickSilver manual formats into FrameMaker...

• First, I setup a completely new book and document template in FrameMaker that is, visually, a clone of my QuickSilver manual. Operationally, it is very similar to QS's book / document system. Then I copied large swathes of text, covering many pages and including headings, paragraphs and figure captions etc., and pasted them into FM. Thankfully, formatting is not transferred when pasted into FM. I then just worked through the text applying my new FM styles (formats) as required.

• For large tables, I exported the .ildoc file as Word/RTF, opened the file in Word, selected the required table, copied, used 'Paste Special...' to paste the unformatted text into FrameMaker, then used Convert Text to Table. Sounds long-winded, but it is actually a very quick way to get all the table data into FM with no re-typing (and hence possible errors). Depending on your document, you might be able to paste the whole lot in one go.
  
• I found no quick way of converting QS's index 'pips' into FM index markers, so had to re-enter them manually.
  
• For graphics drawn using QuickSilver's built-in graphics tools, I used the following procedure to get the graphics into Adobe Illustrator. Firstly, make a copy of the .ildoc document (Ctrl+drag document icon). Rename it. Open the document and delete every component except those holding a graphic. Save the document and then export it using the "document to Adobe Illustrator" filter. QuickSilver unhelpfully exports only the first graphic in the file, but that's OK here. The AI file should open nicely in Illustrator. Most of the line widths and nodes are preserved, and text will be there but formatted incorrectly. As usual, circles export as a mass of segments so might need to be redrawn. To convert the next graphic, open the .ildoc file, delete the first graphic, resave the file and repeat the export procedure. I have some other time-saving tips for formatting the imported graphics - let me know if you're interested.
  

There might well be external tools available to do the conversion, at a price, but in performing all the conversion myself I have learnt how FM works and customized the interface to suit my workflow. Now, when I occasionally have to use QS to update an old legacy manual, it becomes obvious just how strange and outdated it is. There's no going back!

[Guest]

Sorry for delay in replying.

Thanks for the tips. I suspected there was no easy way.

Stu

[lsk2002]

This may be kind of like the other answer, but just seemed a little easier to me.

I save the quicksilver doc to release 5 and open it in FM9. It seems to be the easiest way. The tables come over great!! You do have to get rid of all the para formats ect from the document.  I also delete all the pics before I save it down to release 5. Just a lot easier. If you don't you will have all kinds of stuff all over the place. To get the pics, I print the quicksilver doc to a pdf and either open the in Illustrator or Photoshop, depending on if vector or image. Save them and import them into my FM doc. Also, when you open it in FM, do a find and replace for any marker. I just replace with nothing and it gets rid of all the markers from quicksilver. Delete all the para tags brought over and then import the document formats you want from a doc you already have set up. It is really pretty simple. Considering how bad other things go into quicksilver.....it should be really easy for you.

Let me know if I can help any further. I have been having to do this constantly, since we have moved over to FM9.

ls

PS: After reading the other answer again. Copying and pasting straight from quicksilver is a good way to do it, and you don't get the para tags. I don't do this because I am afraid that I am going to not get things numbered, bulleted....ect correctly. I may give it a shot though, just so I don't have to get  rid of quicksilver's numbering ect. But saving down to release 5 and opening the doc in FM is awesome for tables.