FM

FrameMaker (v7.2 to 11): Convert 1 Excel column into 3 balanced columns to paste into FM

Problem

Win 7, Excel 2003, FM 10

I have a list of 117 or so items that I get from a client as a single column in an Excel spreadsheet. I need to take that list and convert it to three balanced columns (maintaining the alpha sort) to paste into FM.

I did it once manually, but the list keeps changing, so I’m looking for a way to easily convert to three columns, so I can just copy and paste it into FM whenever it changes. I’m think there’s a way to do this in Excel, but my Excel knowledge could fit on the point of a pin (not even the head of the pin).

Anyone know how to do that in Excel?

Solution

Here’s what worked:

  1. From the Excel worksheet with the list (all in one column), save as to a text (tab delimited) file.
  2. Import the file into FM using the copy option, selecting Text as the type, then selecting a table format, make each para a cell, and three columns. (Wrote that from memory, but if someone else needs to do this, it should get you through the process).

Worked well and even got the alpha list to go alpha across instead of down.

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FrameMaker: Mass update of system variables

Problem

I’d like to update the definition for the system variable “Running H/F1” for hundreds of FrameMaker 7.2 files. I don’t want to update other user
variables, so I can’t use the Import > Formats > Variable definitions method. Does anyone know of a painless way of doing this?

 

Solution

  1. Open a blank document and edit the variables you want to update.
  2. Save as a MIF file.
  3. Open the MIF file in a TEXT editor.
  4. Delete everything but the code for the variables you want to update.
  5. Save and close the file.
  6. Open the files you want to update and import variables from the MIF snippet.

Note: You have to reopen the MIF file in FrameMaker.

Info: Check the variable plugins from Leximation and Silicon Prairie Software
http://leximation.com/tools/
http://www.siliconprairiesoftware.com
http://leximation.com/tools/info/bookvars.php

 

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