Structured FrameMaker (7.0): Introduction To Authoring

The folks at Scriptorium Press know Adobe FrameMaker 7.0. Even better, they know how to transfer their knowledge to others. Scriptorium�s Professional Training for Professional Communicators series of learning workbooks are an excellent learning tool for those interested in mastering the world of structured authoring using Adobe FrameMaker 7.0.

“Structured FrameMaker (7.0): Introduction to Authoring” is a well-developed, self-paced tutorial designed to introduce students to the structured interface of Adobe FrameMaker 7.0. Sample FrameMaker files, contained on a companion CD, are utilized to teach students how to create structured, valid, FrameMaker documents. Multi-media learning aids (mpeg videos) are also provided to assist in explaining complex concepts.

The workbook is divided into four chapters:

Chapter 1: Understanding The Structured View
Chapter 2: Modifying Existing Content
Chapter 3: Inserting Elements Into Existing Structured Content
Chapter 4: Creating Document And Book Files

The lessons revolve around a familiar document type: Recipes. By the end of the tutorial, students will be able to create their own cookbook complete with a table of contents, index, and individual recipe files.

In order to complete the course in one setting, allow 3-4 hours per student. While chapter one only took 15 minutes to complete, chapters 2-4 are more challenging lessons that, while well explained, force the student to recall previously introduced skills and use them to complete subsequent lessons. Those who have used Framemaker before will likely complete the training faster, as they are already familiar with FrameMaker basics and need only master the differences between the unstructured and structured authoring environments. One great feature of the training are the examples. Source files with errors in them are presented to the student. To complete the lesson successfully, the student must correct all the mistakes and ask FrameMaker to “validate” the document.

“Structured FrameMaker (7.0): Introduction to Authoring” has some shortcomings (no estimated time to complete each exercise, some text refers to Windows only environments) but overall, it’s an excellent addition to the FrameMaker training products available today, as well as, a valuable reference book. Students can refer to the exercises long after they’ve completed the course. Highly recommended.

Additional training resources

In addition to “Structured FrameMaker (7.0): Introduction to Authoring”, the Scriptorium Professional Training for Professional Communicators also includes these titles:

Structured FrameMaker: Building EDDs—Additional training resources

Structured FrameMaker: Structured Applications

Unstructured FrameMaker: Accelerated Introduction

Advanced Unstructured FrameMaker: Template Design

Other books by Scriptorium: FrameMaker 7.0: The Complete Reference. Paperback: 888 pages ; Publisher: McGraw-Hill Osborne Media; 1st edition (June 11, 2002); ISBN: 0072223618.

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