Summary of Options for Converting FM Files to Unix MAN Pages Format

[Ron Hathcock <ronh@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Here is a summary of what I learned about converting FrameMaker documents to
the Unix MAN Page format:


Use a FrameMaker to ASCII Converter
-----------------------------------

Frank Stearns sells a "smart" FM-to-ASCII converter, FM2A.  I'm not sure
what additional programming is necessary to bring this material into man
page format, but I know it is possible to program the converter to output a
variety of ASCII formats. You can contact Frank directly and ask him.

http://home.pacifier.com/~franks/


Use a MIF to MAN Converter
--------------------------

It's not exactly what you want, but there *is* a program that converts MIF
files to "man" format:

http://sunsite.doc.ic.ac.uk/public/computing/document/formatting/FrameMaker-
goodies/Filters/

and look for "mif2man". It's a Unix file; there might be a Windows/Mac
version somewhere out there...

Of course this requires saving each FrameMaker file in the MIF format...


Convert FrameMaker to HTML, Then Use an HTML to MAN Converter
-------------------------------------------------------------

Couldn't you do Frame --> HTML --> Man?

There's almost certainly a Man2HTML filter out there somewhere, shouldn't be
all that much effort to turn it on its head.


Use Quadralay's WebWorks Publisher to Convert FrameMaker to MAN
---------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, WWP can convert FM source to man page format (TROFF/NROFF), but not by
default. You have to build your conversion from scratch using an empty
template. Instead of using HTML or RTF markup you use TROFF/NROFF. WWP is
simply a filter that allows you to map FM markup (MIF) to any other
procedural markup scheme.


Have Quadralay's Experts Create a Template 
------------------------------------------

Quadralay's Support people offered:

   Just checked with the developers here concerning the
   template.  We do not have one specifically geared for
   Unix MAN pages creation.

   However, we can readily create one via a separate
   consulting project.  Our hourly rate is $150/hr and
   all we need is a sample output of how you want the
   MAN page to be formatted.

   If you are interested, just drop us a message here.
   We'll pass you to the proper associates.

   Support Services
   WebWorks Publisher: The Complete Online Publishing 
   Solution for Technical Authors
   http://www.quadralay.com/             512.719.3399


--------------------
Ron Hathcock

Citrix Systems, Inc.
Draper, UT

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