DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL
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Transcript of DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL
![Page 1: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Comparing DITA support in XMetaL and FrameMaker
Simon BateScriptorium Publishingwww.scriptorium.com
![Page 2: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Agenda
Authoring Conditional processingGenerating outputCross-references and conrefsMap filesSpecializationConsider your needs
![Page 3: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
About the presenter
Based in Research Triangle, North CarolinaSenior Technical Consultant at Scriptorium30+ years experience in Technical PublicationsLong-time FrameMaker userInstructor for Scriptorium classes:
XMetaL DITA XSL in Publications
![Page 4: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
A note about Scriptorium
Affiliated with Adobe as Adobe Authorized Training CenterAffiliated with JustSystems as a Certified Services PartnerNonetheless, I think you'll find this presentation quite candid about each tool's strengths and weaknesses.
![Page 5: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Questions
Please ask questions.I may defer some questions to the end of the presentation.
![Page 6: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
FrameMaker highlights
High-quality print/PDF outputFormatting control is built inAbility to "tweak" formatting, such as page breaksWYSIWYG for print/PDF
![Page 7: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
XMetaL highlights
Ability to edit XML directlyIntegration with DITA Open ToolkitNot WYSIWYG for printSpecialization supportDITA 1.1 support
![Page 8: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
![Page 9: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
XMetaL Authoring highlights
Code ("plain text") viewStructure view (block only)Format-neutral WYSIOO presentationNo invalid content allowedElements grouped by type (Insert menu)
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![Page 11: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
FrameMaker authoring highlights
WYSIWYG for print/PDFStructure view is completeDocument window/structure view combinationInvalid content allowed
![Page 12: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Conditional processing in FrameMaker
Traditional FrameMaker conditions In 8.0, allows expressionsFM information is saved in XML outputBut the information is not DITA
Use attributesSpecial > Filter by attributes
![Page 13: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
ditaval files
FrameMaker: only when using DITA Open Toolkit
XMetaL: hidden by conditional GUIUse Export to createditaval file
![Page 14: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Generating output in XMetaL
Open ToolkitRenderX for PDF via Open ToolkitHTML-based help
![Page 15: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Generating output in FrameMaker
PDFOpen Toolkit (install plug-in)FrameMaker book from DITA mapHTML-based help
![Page 16: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Cross-references in FrameMaker
FrameMaker <fm-xref> elementOnly reference a selected set of elementsCreates active links in PDF files
DITA <xref> elementsCan reference any element in any topicCan contain alternate text (not just the title)Does not create active links in PDF files
![Page 17: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Cross-references in XMetaL
Insert > LinkCross-referenceFile referenceWeb link
Can change text in <xref> elementConverted correctly in Open Toolkit
![Page 18: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
conrefs in XMetaL
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conrefs in FrameMaker
![Page 20: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Map files in FrameMaker
![Page 21: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Map files in XMetaL
![Page 22: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Specialization
XMetaLMany hooks for specialization
FrameMakerNothing built-inCould modify EDD
![Page 23: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Which has better DITA support?
For print/PDF output: FrameMakerFor DITA authoring: XMetaLFor print WYSIWYG: FrameMakerFor output-neutral formatting: XMetaL
No clear winner.
![Page 24: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
How important is print publishing?
It's much easier to produce high-end print/PDF from FrameMaker.Print/PDF publishing through Open Toolkit is not satisfactory.WYSIWYG presentation in FrameMaker is a plus for print-centric workflows.WYSIOO presentation in XMetaL is a plus for authoring without focusing on print.
![Page 25: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
How much control should authors have?
Because FrameMaker combines authoring and publishing, authors have more control
Can create and publish with invalid content
XMetaL enables DITA authoring; separates out publishing
Does not allow invalid content in normal authoring.Think workflow and sharing topics
![Page 26: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Do you need cross-browser, cross-platform help?
HTMLHelp (CHM)Not cross-platformXMetaL and FrameMaker (3rd-party or OT)
XHTML-based HelpFrameMaker and 3rd-party converters
Eclipse HelpXMetaL and FrameMaker (via OT)Requires Eclipse infrastructure
![Page 27: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Transition issues
Current unstructured FrameMaker users will find structured FrameMaker easier than XMetaL (mostly).Developer types may prefer XMetaL.FrameMaker includes conversion utility. (Of course, you could convert in FrameMaker and then use the converted content in another XML tool.)
![Page 28: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Do you need to specialize?
You will have to implement FrameMaker support yourself.XMetaL supports use of specialized DTDs.
![Page 29: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Graphics
Many more formats supported in FrameMaker.In XMetaL, PDF output with EPS images requires Acrobat Distiller.Callouts a problem in either:
Layers in graphic file?FrameMaker callouts are flattened on export to XML.
![Page 30: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Attributes
Attributes Inspector (XMetaL) is easier to use than Attributes Editor (FrameMaker).But...attributes show up in FrameMaker structure view and not in XMetaL structure view.
![Page 31: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Summary
Your priorities will dictate which tool is a better fit for your organization.Each application has significant strengths and weaknesses.Authoring paradigms are significantly different.
![Page 32: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Resources
DITA @ OASIShttp://www.oasis-open.org/committees/tc_home.php?wg_abbrev=dita
White papersAvailable on CD at our boothwww.scriptorium.com/papers.html
Please leave a business card or your email address if you want the handouts.
![Page 34: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Questions
![Page 35: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Scriptorium Publishing Services, Inc.Copyright © 2000. All rights reserved.
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Comparing DITA support in XMetaL and FrameMaker
Simon BateScriptorium Publishingwww.scriptorium.com
![Page 36: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
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Agenda
Authoring Conditional processingGenerating outputCross-references and conrefsMap filesSpecializationConsider your needs
![Page 37: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
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About the presenter
Based in Research Triangle, North CarolinaSenior Technical Consultant at Scriptorium30+ years experience in Technical PublicationsLong-time FrameMaker user
Instructor for Scriptorium classes:XMetaL DITA XSL in Publications
![Page 38: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
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A note about Scriptorium
Affiliated with Adobe as Adobe Authorized Training CenterAffiliated with JustSystems as a Certified Services PartnerNonetheless, I think you'll find this presentation quite candid about each tool's strengths and weaknesses.
"Full disclosure..."
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Questions
Please ask questions.I may defer some questions to the end of the presentation.
![Page 40: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
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FrameMaker highlights
High-quality print/PDF outputFormatting control is built inAbility to "tweak" formatting, such as page breaksWYSIWYG for print/PDF
Version 8.0
Large user base (among technical publications)
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XMetaL highlights
Ability to edit XML directlyIntegration with DITA Open ToolkitNot WYSIWYG for printSpecialization supportDITA 1.1 support
Version 5.1
XML (content) editor
![Page 42: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
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Menus
Toolbars
Content
Views
Structure view
Element and Attributes
Insert menu to insert grouped elements.
![Page 43: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
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XMetaL Authoring highlights
Code ("plain text") viewStructure view (block only)Format-neutral WYSIOO presentationNo invalid content allowedElements grouped by type (Insert menu)
Code view allows you to create invalid structure.
"Smart Insert" works on insert and paste.
![Page 44: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
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![Page 45: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
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FrameMaker authoring highlights
WYSIWYG for print/PDFStructure view is completeDocument window/structure view combinationInvalid content allowed
![Page 46: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
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Conditional processing in FrameMaker
Traditional FrameMaker conditions In 8.0, allows expressionsFM information is saved in XML outputBut the information is not DITA
Use attributesSpecial > Filter by attributes
![Page 47: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
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ditaval files
FrameMaker: only when using DITA Open Toolkit
XMetaL: hidden by conditional GUIUse Export to createditaval file
![Page 48: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
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Generating output in XMetaL
Open ToolkitRenderX for PDF via Open ToolkitHTML-based help
Conditions selected at generate time.
HTML-based help includes CHM and Eclipse.
![Page 49: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
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Generating output in FrameMaker
PDFOpen Toolkit (install plug-in)FrameMaker book from DITA mapHTML-based help
![Page 50: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
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Cross-references in FrameMaker
FrameMaker <fm-xref> elementOnly reference a selected set of elementsCreates active links in PDF files
DITA <xref> elementsCan reference any element in any topicCan contain alternate text (not just the title)Does not create active links in PDF files
fm-xref references topic, param, and related-links elements.
![Page 51: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
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Cross-references in XMetaL
Insert > LinkCross-referenceFile referenceWeb link
Can change text in <xref> elementConverted correctly in Open Toolkit
![Page 52: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
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conrefs in XMetaL
![Page 53: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
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conrefs in FrameMaker
Can't move a conref using structure view.
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Map files in FrameMaker
Can work with map files
For print/PDF, you can create FM book file from DITA map.
Doesn't work on nested maps.
Map files are important if you're using DITA OT for output.
![Page 55: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
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Map files in XMetaL
All control over maps is through small menu.
Confusing.
CTRL keys don't work in Map.
![Page 56: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/56.jpg)
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Specialization
XMetaLMany hooks for specialization
FrameMakerNothing built-inCould modify EDD
This comes from the way the two are implemented.
XMetaL is an editor that provides formatting as an afterthought.
FrameMaker is an integrated editor and formatter.
![Page 57: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/57.jpg)
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Which has better DITA support?
For print/PDF output: FrameMakerFor DITA authoring: XMetaLFor print WYSIWYG: FrameMakerFor output-neutral formatting: XMetaL
No clear winner.
![Page 58: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/58.jpg)
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How important is print publishing?
It's much easier to produce high-end print/PDF from FrameMaker.Print/PDF publishing through Open Toolkit is not satisfactory.WYSIWYG presentation in FrameMaker is a plus for print-centric workflows.WYSIOO presentation in XMetaL is a plus for authoring without focusing on print.
![Page 59: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/59.jpg)
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How much control should authors have?
Because FrameMaker combines authoring and publishing, authors have more control
Can create and publish with invalid content
XMetaL enables DITA authoring; separates out publishing
Does not allow invalid content in normal authoring.Think workflow and sharing topics
Some issues here deal with publishing workflow.
![Page 60: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/60.jpg)
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Do you need cross-browser, cross-platform help?
HTMLHelp (CHM)Not cross-platformXMetaL and FrameMaker (3rd-party or OT)
XHTML-based HelpFrameMaker and 3rd-party converters
Eclipse HelpXMetaL and FrameMaker (via OT)Requires Eclipse infrastructure
![Page 61: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/61.jpg)
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Transition issues
Current unstructured FrameMaker users will find structured FrameMaker easier than XMetaL (mostly).Developer types may prefer XMetaL.FrameMaker includes conversion utility. (Of course, you could convert in FrameMaker and then use the converted content in another XML tool.)
With FM there's still the issue with the Enter key.
![Page 62: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/62.jpg)
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Do you need to specialize?
You will have to implement FrameMaker support yourself.XMetaL supports use of specialized DTDs.
![Page 63: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/63.jpg)
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Graphics
Many more formats supported in FrameMaker.In XMetaL, PDF output with EPS images requires Acrobat Distiller.Callouts a problem in either:
Layers in graphic file?FrameMaker callouts are flattened on export to XML.
Callouts:
You want to be able to localize the text.
FrameMaker "flattening" means conversion to GIF.
![Page 64: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/64.jpg)
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Attributes
Attributes Inspector (XMetaL) is easier to use than Attributes Editor (FrameMaker).But...attributes show up in FrameMaker structure view and not in XMetaL structure view.
Call attention selection of elements/attributes in XMetaL.
![Page 65: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/65.jpg)
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Summary
Your priorities will dictate which tool is a better fit for your organization.Each application has significant strengths and weaknesses.Authoring paradigms are significantly different.
![Page 66: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/66.jpg)
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Resources
DITA @ OASIShttp://www.oasis-open.org/committees/tc_home.php?wg_abbrev=dita
White papersAvailable on CD at our boothwww.scriptorium.com/papers.html
Please leave a business card or your email address if you want the handouts.
![Page 68: DITA support in FrameMaker and XMetaL](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022012322/545c7b77b0af9f0d318b48e9/html5/thumbnails/68.jpg)
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Questions