TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Massive Word Doc changes - What would you do? From:Jay Maechtlen <techwriter -at- covad -dot- net> To:"'Emoto'" <emoto1 -at- gmail -dot- com> Date:Fri, 30 May 2008 14:27:40 -0700
>> Besides quit or kill myself.
>>
>> I have several hundred Word docs that need certain text
>> strings replaced. They also need a graphic on the front page
>> and in the footers replaced.
>>
As you take closer ownership of these, you might consider putting
possibly changed items in as links (linked graphics) or maybe using
variables (custom doc properties) and referencing them in the docs using
fields.
Of course, once you get past the emergency, you may find that your
methods are good enough for whenever "next time" might be.
The thing is: the custom doc properties can be changed from the outside
using vba. Since the fields in the text determine how the strings are
used, you can't possibly change it in the "wrong place".
If the graphic is linked, you just change the graphic (new graphic, same
old name), update, re-pdf. done.
There are also ways to pdf whole directories of docs.
fwiw.
Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-
