Re: Wanted: Any available doc comparing Word XP and FrameMaker 7.2
I found the easiest work-around is to PDF the word document and send that to the printer.PDF has become the acceptable standard for sending documents to a printer. I used it extensively at my last employer with excellent results. It was especially helpful with color material. PDFs can also be edited in Illustrator, allowing for minor tweaks if necessary. I've also worked with a number of technical firms that do all of their source documentation in Word. Some convert the Word document to PageMaker (InDesign, or FrameMaker if they can justify the cost) for the final output, but they keep it in Word until the final review is complete. Others use Word file as the source for Doc-to-Help. WWP for Word or some other program that allows them to print, create Help or e-docs from the same source code. However, with that said, I agree that, unless it is a very simple file, sending a Word document to another location for printing is an exercise in disaster. Even using a template where the fonts and styles are not based on normal.dot won't work all the time. If you are not printing in house, I highly recommend talking to your printer to determine the best method of sending them material. You may be surprised at the workarounds they offer.
Yes, it is one more step, but every single client I have worked with wanted an editable document at the end, and for the non-tech wrting world that means Word not Framemaker.
When I say talk to your printer, I am referring to a person not the machine.....although, I have been known to have some lengthy and not very pretty conversations with my printer (the machine).
--
Al Geist
Technical Writing, Online Help, Marketing Collateral, Web Design, Award Winning Videos, Professional Photography
Voice/Msg: 802-658-3140
E-mail: al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com <mailto:al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>
URL: www.geistassociates.com <http://www.geistassociates.com> (online portfolio/resume)
See also:
URL: www.geistimages.com <http://www.geistimages.com> (fine art prints for home or office and note cards for all occasions)
"When the situation is absolutely hopeless, you have nothing to worry about."
Compliments of The Monkey Wrench Gang
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
WebWorks ePublisher Pro for Word features support for every major Help
format plus PDF, HTML and more. Flexible, precise, and efficient content delivery. Try it today!. http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l
Doc-To-Help includes a one-click RoboHelp project converter. It's that easy. Watch the demo at http://www.componentone.com/TECHWRL/DocToHelp2005
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- infoinfocus -dot- com -dot-
To unsubscribe send a blank email to techwr-l-unsubscribe -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
or visit http://lists.techwr-l.com/mailman/options/techwr-l/archive%40infoinfocus.com
To subscribe, send a blank email to techwr-l-join -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Send administrative questions to lisa -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot- Visit
http://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.
References:
RE: Wanted: Any available doc comparing Word XP and FrameMaker 7.2: From: Nuckols, Kenneth M
Re: Wanted: Any available doc comparing Word XP and FrameMaker 7.2: From: Bryan Sherman
Previous by Author:
Re: Creating "tabs" at edge of pages in Word 2003?
Next by Author:
Re: plurals in acronyms
Previous by Thread:
Re: Wanted: Any available doc comparing Word XP and FrameMaker 7.2
Next by Thread:
RE: Wanted: Any available doc comparing Word XP and FrameMaker 7.2
Search our Technical Writing Archives & Magazine
Visit TechWhirl's Other Sites
Sponsored Ads