Tag Archives: FrameMaker

Creating New Files in DITA-FMx 1.1

DITA-FMx offers some features that make new file creation simple and easy. Entering the title for the new topic in the New File dialog box automatically creates the file name based on a format that you have defined using special building blocks. You can also create new files using “element templates” which pre-populate the topic with boilerplate content that you have set up. Prolog metadata in new files can automatically be set with the author’s name and creation date, and each time you update a file, the revision date metadata can be automatically set.

This video introduces these and other features for creating new DITA files with DITA-FMx.

If you’re a new user of DITA-FMx or are considering a purchase, you should review this video.

» Link to video on YouTube.

Overview of the Map Authoring Features in DITA-FMx 1.1

DITA-FMx 1.1 provides a number of authoring features not available in standard FrameMaker 8 or 9. Some of these features are not available in other DITA editors, and are typically found only with a content management system. This video provides a quick tour of those features.

If you’re a new user of DITA-FMx or are considering a purchase, you should review this video.

» Link to video on YouTube.

DITA-FMx: Cloning the Default Structure Applications

If you’re using DITA-FMx and would like to modify the formatting and layout in the topic authoring view or for book publishing, you’ll need to modify the corresponding FrameMaker structure applications (Topic, Map, and Book). When it comes time to customize the structure apps, you should “clone” the default applications provided with DITA-FMx to create your own applications rather than modifying the default apps. This video walks you through each step of this process.

This is a fairly complex topic involving the modification of the structure application definition file (structapps.fm) as well as the structure application’s EDD and template files. If you’re just starting out, it’s probably best to work with the default applications for some time before worrying about any customizations.

» Link to video on YouTube.

Installing DITA-FMx 1.1

This video walks you through the complete process of installing DITA-FMx in FrameMaker. It also demonstrates the installation of the default structure applications and creation of a new DITA topic.

This video is useful for those who’d like a quick overview of the installation process. It also shows you the easy way to install new structure applications.

» Link to video on YouTube.