Skip numbering a couple of pages within a FrameMaker file

[bronxguys02]

In my FM 10 (!!) project, I have two pages within a Frame file that should not be numbered, and the page after those needs to continue page numbering from the page before the two non-numbered pages. Page 28 is fine. Current pages 29 and 30 should not be numbered, and current page 31 should be page 29. Will I have to do that manually in the footer somehow and not use auto pagination?

Thanks.

Margaret

[Bob_Niland · Accepted solution]

There may be more elegant solutions, but these work:

1. If the target output is PDF, insert the exception pages with Acrobat Pro or similar.
2. Split the book component file into 2 files at that page break. Adjust page count for second half file to start on desired page number.

Messing about with the page number presentation in the footer won't change the metadata that is sent to PDF, for example.

[bronxguys02]

Thank you for the quick response. Worked like a charm.

[Bob_Niland]

Thanks for the report.
I suspect that my 3rd suggestion below (dual Books) might be more advantageous from a stewardship standpoint.

[Barb Binder]

Hi @Margaret:

FrameMaker doesn't allow you to restart/change numbering properties within a single file. You can control page numbering in the book file, which is why@Bob_Niland's answer is a good option. For example, 

1. Chapter 1—1-20
2. Chapter 2 (first half)—21-40
3. Chapter 2 (insert)—no numbers
4. Chapter 2 (second half)—set the numbering in the book window to start at 41

     ...

This allows you to control the whole Fm book yourself. 

Another option is to lay out the FrameMaker document without the insert and allow it to number consecutively. Create the insert as a separate document and ask the printer to insert it for you as the file goes to print (print workflow) or insert it in the PDF (online distribution). 

~Barb 

Edit: After re-reading @Bob_Niland's response, he presented both options. I'm just more verbose. LOL

[Bob_Niland]

And if splitting a chapter, make sure that for the trailing file, all but the Page number are:
(•) Continue Numbering from …

This is still not ideal, because any changes to page count up to the break require manual intervention stewardship of this hack, which won't necessarily be remembered, or conveyed to future document maintainers.

[bronxguys02]

Thank you, Barb!

[Barb Binder]

Being able to restart/change numbering properties in a single file is an other InDesign feature that I wish FrameMaker would implement.

~Barb 

[Bob_Niland]

Allowing more comprehensive expressions in dialogs and menus would also be very useful, e.g. math.

Another hack for this might be:

1. Have two Book files, one without the insert pages, one with.
2. Do Update Book from the former.
3. Render to PDF from the latter.

The insert pages will of course have page numbers, but they could be A, B or some such.