Legacy document conversion

There are two methods you can use for legacy document conversion, and each has its merits and drawbacks.

Use the File > Open command

When you open Word (.doc) files directly in FrameMaker, the document flows into FrameMaker's default template. This method can require repetitive cleanup of items stored in the FrameMaker default template that is used to display the resulting FrameMaker file.

Benefit:

This is an intuitive, quick way to get at text in a Word document.

Drawbacks:

If you have an existing template, you will need to import that template separately. This leaves a lot of redundant cleanup across each document.You will have to delete unused FrameMaker template items such as:

• Paragraph tags (styles)
• Default cross-reference formats

Suggested use:

The File > Open command is useful for independent files, or when no real FrameMaker template exists. If short-term speed or a looming deadline is more important than long term accuracy and control, this is the way to go.

Import into existing template

If you or your group has an existing template, then choose the File > New > Document command, locate your template, and open it.

FrameMaker presents you with a blank untitled document containing all the formatting needed for your project. Because the document is untitled, you may now save with an appropriate name without the risk of overwriting the original template file.

Once the name and location of the file are set, use the File > Import > File command to locate your Word import file (see Figure 1). You'll need to choose the Copy Into Document option to allow direct editing of the text in FrameMaker.

Figure 1. Locate your Word import file

In most situations, you will want to set the Import Text Flow by Copy options (see Figure 2). Typical benefits of using the options in the figure below:

1. By choosing to Reformat Using Current Document's Catalogs, you will automatically swap the old Word styles for any FrameMaker paragraph formats with the same name.
2. Choosing to remove Manual Page Breaks (checking the Manual Page Breaks box) allows FrameMaker's catalogs better control over placement of page breaks.
3.  Choosing to remove Other Overrides (checking the Other Overrides box) will remove much of Word's automatic numbering and formatting.

Figure 2. The Import Text Flow by Copy options

Benefit:

All the styles needed are in the same location as your converted Word document.

Drawbacks:

The Import function requires that you create style-naming conventions and a template file prior to conversion.

Suggested use:

If you are (or have access to) a FrameMaker expert and a solid template file, this is how I recommend you work.

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