[Framers] Frame vs InDesign

[Gillian Flato]

Frank,

InDesign is for fluffy, glossy, shiny marketing slicks. Frame is a workhorse for Tech Pubs. 

I suggest that you make a table:

| Feature 			| Frame 	| InDesign 	| Purpose
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conditional Text       |  X         |                       | Required for write once, publish many
Variables			|  X         |                        |  Enhances consistency and accuracy
etc.

Lay it out for them. List all of the features that you require and which software contains the feature. Also explain what the feature is for.

Good Luck,

-Gillian 

> On Nov 18, 2021, at 3:28 PM, Frank Ripp <fripp at pacificbiosciences.com> wrote:
> 
> New management is pushing for the overall use of InDesign for marketing collateral and technical documentation at my company.
> I'm a long time Frame user, producing a set of software documentation ranging from release notes, installation guides, API guides, and a 160-page user guide. All are delivered as PDF files.
> 
> I've been asked to figure out whether or not InDesign will fit my documentation needs, and have many questions.
> 
> 
>  *   Most importantly: Can InDesign generate good PDF files, with working links?
>  *   Is InDesign good for large documents (100-160 pages), with TOCs, and lots of internal and external cross-references?
>  *   Can I transfer my existing paragraph and character styles from Frame to InDesign?
>  *   Can I import a Frame book into InDesign?
> 
> Has anyone out there successfully switched from Frame to Indesign?
> Is this a non-starter for the type of documents I produce?
> 
> Any advice, thoughts or pointers are greatly appreciated!
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Frank Ripp
> SR. Technical Writer
> Pacific Biosciences
> 1305 O'Brien Drive,
> Menlo Park, CA 94025
> (650) 521-8315
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