Structured Document Template Issues

[Guest]

Hi,

I have been given a set of files (EDD, DTD, Template)  which I am meant to use to create some manuals. I can create an XML file ok but when I try to open the XML file I get a lot of error messages saying they cannot create the elements. I have discovered that the element catalogue is empty and  I cannot enter anything into the body pages of the template which must be causing the errors. But if I got to the master pages of it I can see all my elements in the catalogue so I know they are there.  Is there some option selected somewhere which is preventing me from editing the body pages?

Thanks

Doug

[Van Kurtz]

Doug,

I may not be able to answer all your questions but will give it a go.

Make sure your FrameMaker preferences are set to work in structured FrameMaker. If not, change them (File > Preferences) and restart FrameMaker.

In general, the template file SHOULD contain the element definitions, that is, the EDD. You can test this by opening a new blank template file. Click inside the text frame. Open the element catalog. You should see at least ONE element in the catalog. The number of elements listed in the element catalog depends upon its settings; you can change the options to show all elements or only elements allowable at the insertion point.

If there are NO elements listed in the element catalog, then you need to import the EDD into the template file. Open the EDD and a copy of the template file. With the template file selected, select File > Import > Element Definitions. In the dialog box, select the EDD file from the dropdown list and click Import (OK?). When the import is complete, save the modified template file. Keep a blank copy as backup.

To open an XML file, you need to tell FrameMaker the locations of its DTD and template. You do this by creating a structure application. In FrameMaker 9, select StructureTools > Edit Application Definitions. At this point, I suggest you read more about all this in the Developing Structured Applications, which is supplied with FrameMaker. Create your application, and read it into FrameMaker by selecting StructureTools > Read Application Definitions. Close the applications file.

Now when you open an XML file, FrameMaker will ask you which application to use. Select your application and the file opens in the template specified in the structured application.

AN ALTERNATIVE procedure (I have not tested this, so not sure that it works as stated) that does not require a structured application is to open the XML file. When Frame asks for the structured application, select No Application. I am guessing that this will open in some kind of default Frame file; you may not see any content or elements at this point. Now open your template file, select the opened XML file, and select File > Import >Formats. Select the template file from the drop down list, select all the options, and click Import. Then in the opened XML, select File > Import > Element Definitions. Select the template file (or the EDD, if the template does NOT have the definitions) in the drop down list, and click Import. You should not see the content and elements formatted according to the template.

I suggest reading the FrameMaker User Manual, in addition to the Structured Applications guide, to get a complete understanding of all this.

Good luck,

Van