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_Amit_Kapoor_
Participant
May 14, 2008
Question

Renaming Referenced Graphic Files

  • May 14, 2008
  • 5 replies
  • 865 views
Hi,

I have 300 graphic files referenced in 3 FrameMaker projects in more than 700 locations. I have to rename all of the 300 files by adding a common prefix to them. But this will break all graphic references in the .fm files. Is there a way to do it so that I don't have update every reference one-by-one? For example:
1. I generate the list of graphics being used.
2. Change the names in this list.
3. Import the updated list back in FM.
This solution seems a future thing but any suggestion or easier way to do this will be great.

Is there a place where FrameMaker stores the graphic references and is editable?

Thanks.
Amit Kapoor
    This topic has been closed for replies.

    5 replies

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    _Amit_Kapoor_Author
    Participant
    May 15, 2008
    All of you guys rock! I have yet to try one of the solutions above and I will do that today. Once I have the results, I will post them here. Thanks a lot guys!!!!!

    Regards,
    Amit Kapoor
    A
    Art Campbell
    Inspiring
    May 14, 2008
    I'd combine a couple of these suggestions into a solution (first, make a backup):

    1. Use Bruce Foster's Archive plugin to collect the graphic files into a single folder and to update the reference strings. Martin's scripts probably work just as well; I just haven't played with his.

    2. Use a utility such as Bulk Rename Utility or a similar utility to apply the prefix that you mentioned to the graphic files.

    3. Save all the FM files to MIF. Then use a program to search for the graphics folder name created by Archive and replace that with the folder name and prefix. Be very careful with this step, because if the MIF file is corrupted by a bag S&R string, you can't recover. You'll need to start with the FM file again. There are some utility programs (NoteTab -- I love it!) that will open and S&R through multiple ASCII files.

    Art

    Art
    _
    _Kenneth_Benson_
    Participating Frequently
    May 14, 2008
    You can save to MIF and then search and replace the MIF file with a text
    editor.

    --
    Kenneth Benson
    Pegasus Type, Inc.
    www.pegtype.com
    R
    Russ Ward
    Legend
    May 14, 2008
    Frame is conspicuously lacking in a search and replace for referenced file paths. Might be a small opportunity for a plugin developer.

    Russ
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    _Martin_R__Smith_
    Participating Frequently
    May 14, 2008
    Hi,

    FrameMaker stores the pathname of a referenced graphic as a property of a graphic object, along with other properties such as resolution, scaling, and position.

    Using the FrameScript programming language, you can easily write a script that will automatically rename the referenced graphics to add the prefix, and update the pathnames that FrameMaker stores to the referenced graphics.

    I have some freely available scripts on my web site for organizing referenced graphics and moving chapters (with graphics) between books. You can access my site at http://www.golehtek.com.

    I do not have a script readily available that would solve your immediate problem, however I could adapt existing code to your particular problem rather easily. Contact me off list if you are interested by sending an email to martin.smith@golehtek.com.

    Best regards,

    Martin R. Smith
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