Scripting/Macros in FM

[William26025336mbsx]

Is there currently a built-in scripting/macro capability in FM (Version 17.0.0.226)? I haven't needed any such thing in ~25 years as a user, but I think I might now. Specifically, I need to import large (potentially hundreds of pages) multipage PDFs into individual anchored frames in my book. TIA for any pointers in the right direction....

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

Yes, but @frameexpert would better be able able to get into the specifics as I don't do any scripting at all.

[frameexpert]

Yes, ExtendScript (Adobe's version of Javascript) is built into FrameMaker 10 and higher. I have created several of these PDF import scripts over the years. They have been customized for individual clients and are too complicated to post for free, but people on this forum can help you with individual tasks that a script like this would entail.

[William26025336mbsx]

Thanks. After I posted this, I checked the FM Help (duh!) and discovered the existence of ExtendScript... but when I try to launch the ESTK (File>Script>New Script), nothing happens. I'm wondering if it's perhaps been locally disabled (my company's IT organization is fussy about people writing code on our system)?

In any case, I don't know anything about Javascript (or, really, any coding more complex than an FM autonumber format), so it might not matter. I would be interested, though, in automating the task I described in the OP (page-framing long PDF documents within an FM document). I'm not in a position to purchase anything myself, but I could certainly recommend the right product to people who are; if anyone could reach out to me, or point me in the right direction to find such a product, I'd be grateful.

[frameexpert]

Strangely, Adobe stopped distributing the ExtendScript Toolkit with FrameMaker; however, if you google it, it is out there somewhere for download. If you want to meet offline, I can look at your requirements and tell you what is possible. rick at frameexpert dot com

[frameexpert]

https://github.com/Adobe-CEP/CEP-Resources/tree/master/ExtendScript-Toolkit