What is the difference between using File/Import/File vs. Insert/Image?

[Susan305351693t3o]

I'm a relative FrameMaker newbie. I'm having trouble figuring out how to position graphics on a page (sometimes the seem to align right, sometimes they go to the center). Instinctively, I've used Import/Image to (and "import by reference"). But recently I reviewed a training video from a couple of years ago and the trainer said to use File/Import/File to import a graphic.

I'm wondering if there is a difference?

[Matt-Tech Comm Tools · Accepted solution]

I could be mistaken on the version, but File > Import > File is the method used prior to Fm 2020.

The Insert Image option imports based on the setting specified in your preferences.

There's no appreciable difference in result/quality I'm aware of between using these two methods.

For context, it would help to know the training video you watched...Who was the trainer in the video...me?

[Susan305351693t3o]

I was personally trained by an Adobe-certified trainer (wasn't you). I was just reviewing a recording of one of our training sessions.

So what he told me was not incorrect. It's possible he was so used to using the File/Import/File method himself from using earlier version of FrameMaker (because he's a veteran to the program) that he just taught me what his fingers know to do automatically. 

If there is no appreciable difference in the two methods, then it's fine, and you answered my question. Thank you.

[Matt-Tech Comm Tools]

I can relate to the muscle memory involved! I use Alt key combinations to do much/most of my navigating...things like Alt+f i o to import formats, and Alt+f i e to import element definitions.

I'm sure many of the menu locations for tasks have changed over these 17 versions of FrameMaker.

I find that it reduces the fatigue that can come with mousing when performing complicated tasks. 

[Susan305351693t3o]

All the FrameMaker experts I know use the key shortcuts. I still haven't gotten there yet. I think I need to print up a list and hang it in my work station!

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Hope it wasn't me...

As Matt said, Insert Images used the preference settings. I still prefer File>Import>File because I like to shrinkwrap after importing. 

[Barb Binder]

Haha. It's such a short list. 😂

~Barb

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Before Adobe canceled the Certified Instructor program (ACI) at the end of 2023, if I recall, there were less than six ACIs in the US and about 12 total worldwide for FrameMaker (certification was on a per-program basis). 

PS: Another way to insert emojis is to use the Windows & colon keys. 😜

[Matt-Tech Comm Tools]

And three of us are already in this thread!!!!!

The hunt is on!

[Susan305351693t3o]

I had no idea you guys were practically unicorns! Does this mean FrameMaker is on its way out?

[Matt-Tech Comm Tools]

Hardly!

I've been hearing that since (literally) the beta for InDesign!

Turns out InDesign (rightly) was the PageMaker killer, not the FrameMaker killer, since they address different audiences.

[Susan305351693t3o]

I'm glad to hear that. I'd hate to think all of this hair-tearing I mean learning is for something that will go the way of the dinosaurs (I've got the metaphors today). 

I used InDesign quite a bit after PageMaker got discontinued. I think that was the intention of InDesign from the start. I heard InDesign referred to as the "Quark Killer," which I think was true, though I never used Quark.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

IMHO, the major reason InDesign replaced Quark was because Adobe made the smart move to bundle software into Suites. Schools and Universities had the option to upgrade Quark, Photoshop, and Illustrator separately--OR upgrade to the new Adobe Publishing Suite (with InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) for the same cost as just the Quark upgrade. Suddenly, all these students came out of high school and college wanting to use the program they already knew.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

To add to Matt's post...

InDesign was actually _started_ at Aldus as a major upgrade to PageMaker, so it _technically_ didn't kill PageMaker. The "InDesign" technology was the main reason Adobe bought the company in 1994. 

InDesign needs a number of  long-document upgrades to compete with FrameMaker, especially in the book area. However, the last time it got major long-document upgrades was back in 2007, so I wouldn't hold my breath! That said, I have created numerous 800-1000-page books in InDesign. 

Of course, if you are using a structured workflow (XML, DITA), then there is no question that Frame is the one to use. (InDesign does have some basic XML features, but it can't compare to Frame.)

[Susan305351693t3o]

I used InDesign only for creating brochures. It was great for that. We did use PageMaker for manuals, but our boss decided he wanted all manuals editable for everyone (BAD IDEA), so we switched to Word. And the predictable frustrations occurred. 

[Susan305351693t3o]

Wasn't you either! It wasn't anyone I've seen on this board, and that's all I'm going to say. If I could figure out how to insert emojis here this would be a much funnier comment!
[Moderator edit - 😁😂🤣]

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

@Susan305351693t3o - if you're on Windows, just right-click in the answer to select Emojis

[Susan305351693t3o]

👌👍Thank you!

[Barb Binder]

Susan: I pretty sure this qualifies as the funniest thread I've ever seen on the FrameMaker forum—probably any of the forums. I'm visiting my sister and fellow Adobe Community Expert this week and we have been opening it and laughing every day. 😁

~Barb

[Susan305351693t3o]

Glad to be part of laughter, always. I'm just SO grateful for all of this tribal knowledge. It's invaluable for a newbie like me!

[Barb Binder · Accepted solution]

Matt: Was it me? 🤔

Barb: Was it me? 🤔  (I know you said "he" Susan, but if you said "she", I'd be immediately busted. 😂)

I know this question was already answered, but just in case, you know the old dogs, new tricks idiom—all the helpers here are long-time users, and it's hard to break old habits unless there is a compellng reason. I don't see a compelling reason to switch personally, because I can scale/set resolution on the way with File > Import > File (Esc fif), while Insert > Image (don't even know the shortcut!) tries to do it automatically and in my experience, doesn't always figure it out, so I have to adjust the scaling in Object Properties anyway. Plus, from a training perspective, I like to emphasize that File > Import > File works for whatever you want to import into a FrameMaker layout: text, images/artwork, and text insets. 

And for what it's worth, this is an excerpt from the Fm 2022 Help manual:

Just in case. 😉

~Barb

[Susan305351693t3o]

Hi Barb,

It was not you :-)! Thank you for the information!

[Barb Binder]

Phew!  😂 

~Barb