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FrameMaker can output to PDF with Distiller, which is included with
FrameMaker.
Structured FrameMaker can create XML.
You need something like WebWorks Pro (www.webworks.com) to create help
formats from FrameMaker, however. Adobe sells RoboHelp, but my
understanding is that RoboHelp and FrameMaker are not integrated, as
WebWorks and FrameMaker are. Don't expect to come up to speed quickly on
workflows and tools that are brand new to you.
Cheers,
Sean
___________
Sean Brierley
Technical Writer
www.accu-time.com
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+sbrierley=accu-time -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+sbrierley=accu-time -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On
Behalf Of Lin Sims
Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 10:01 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Frame 8 outputs / pick a tool (set?) help needed
New job, as in I started yesterday.
I get to pick my tools.
Outputs needed include PDF and various help formats, including
context-sensitive help. Because of a multiplicity of configurations and
clients, conditional text and variables will be in heavy use. Note that
I have not worked much with help authoring tools--a brief exposure to
RoboHelp and WebWorks is all, and those were both in the nature of a
full conversion from a manual and occurred at least 5 years ago.
Document control via CVS/TortoiseCVS is possible to probable.
Single-sourcing is highly desired (by me, since I'm the sole and first
tech writer and if there's anything I hate is duplicating effort and
multiple maintenance).
My preference for source files is Frame, but I am having trouble
verifying whether Frame can output to the help/context-sensitive help
requested.
Before I recommend definitively that we go with Frame, I need to know
whether Frame 8 can output to all those formats by itself, or whether it
needs auxiliary programs to do so. So far, I've been unable to confirm
this on the Adobe site, although I'm still looking.
Advice and suggestions appreciated, including alternate programs. I'm
not married to Frame, but I need something I can come up to speed on
quickly. The boss has come up with one alternate called Help & Manual,
but according to its documentation, it doesn't support conditional text
to a PDF output.
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
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