Basic Concept of FrameMaker
About 2 min read
Adobe FrameMaker is a software application that is primarily used to create long documents, such as textbooks and technical manuals.
As its name suggests, FrameMaker uses text frames and object frames to define their location and allow for consistent flow of material, even during editing.
The program uses master pages that act as templates for the layout of various repeated pages. It also employs catalogs to define the formatting of major elements of a document.
Questions you may have include:
- How is text flow controlled with the frames?
- How are master pages used?
- What is defined in the catalogs?
This lesson will answer those questions.
Frames control flow
The FrameMaker named indicates its special use of frames.
Text frames
Text frames are defined and used to enclose text, as well as to allow controlled text from from page to page or from frame to frame.
Object frames
Object frames can not only enclose a graphic, but they also can be anchored to a specific area—such as a piece of text—so that it will stay with that area as the content is edited.
Master pages define layout
Master pages define a layout template of specific pages in your document. They are accessed from View > Master Pages on the menu bar. You can define the layout for right and left pages in a two-sided document. You can also define the layout for such things as the first page in a chapter and your title page.
This allows consistency throughout the document.
Catalogs assign characteristics and style
FrameMaker uses what they call catalogs to assign characteristics and style.
Paragraph
The paragraph catalog allows you to define the characteristics of paragraphs, including body text, headings, and special items such as notes.
Character
The character catalog allows you to define and then designate special characters, such as bold, italic and colored text.
Table
The table catalog defines characteristics of tables.
Summary
FrameMaker is used to create long complex documents. Text frames and object frames allow for consistent flow of material, even during editing. Master pages act as templates for the layout of various repeated pages. Catalogs define the formatting of major elements of a document.
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