MicroType  

 


Training: Web-Based | On-Site | "Interspondence" | In Israel

Web-Based Training

  • Web-based courses
    3.5-4 hour sessions, including 2-3 short breaks; scheduled hours adjusted to fit participants' time zones; group size is typically 3-5 participants (web-based courses are not canceled in cases of low enrollment) [registration form]
      • Using FrameMaker (5 half-days; US$650), February 1+3+5+8+9
        For newcomers to FrameMaker experienced with word processing or desktop publishing programs, or for technical writers who have been using the software, who want to acquire a full, in-depth knowledge of FrameMaker. Intensive & fast-paced (computer per participant). Topics include: paragraph and character formats -- applying, creating and modifying; variables; cross-references; searching for and changing text, formats and objects; using FrameMaker templates; autonumbering; anchored frames; creating and editing graphics using FrameMaker drawing tools; importing graphic files; tables and table formats; master pages and pagination features; reference pages and referenced graphics; generating a table of contents, index and other lists; FrameMaker books.
      • Single Sourcing with FrameMaker (2 half-days; US$300), March 4+5
        For experienced FrameMaker users who want to take advantage of the single-sourcing potential of FrameMaker.

      • Advanced FrameMaker (3 half-days; US$400), March 15+17+19
        If you are an experienced FrameMaker user, this course will help you hone your skills and work more efficiently. Learn advanced techniques and numerous tips & tricks, including importing content from other formats or documents, automating formatting, editing, graphics, tables, document/template maintenance, generated files, cross-references, variables, autonumbering, pagination.
      • Building a PDF Front-End Interface to Document Collections (half-day; US$150), March 23
        Do you have numerous documents -- such as guides, help documents, white papers, technical specifications, spreadsheets, drawings, marketing materials and case studies -- each linked to a different application or accessible in different locations in the directory structure? Would your users appreciate easy access to all these different materials through a single main menu, structured like a web site? Learn how to create the navigation structure in PDF, how to link different document types, and how to create searchable PDF CDs/directories.
      • FrameMaker-to-PDF Advanced Techniques:
        (A) Built-in FM-to-PDF features (2 half-days), April 12+14
        (B) Enhanced interactivity and automation (2 half-days), April 16+19
        (C) Testing PDFs (half-day), April 21
        For experienced users of FrameMaker and Acrobat who want to create/maintain high-quality, interactive Acrobat PDF files.
        Parts A, B and C can be taken as a complete course or separately.
        Price: (A) = US$300;  (C) = US$150;
        (B) = US$450, includes a single license for FM-to-Acrobat TimeSavers (US$200!);
        (A)+(B)+(C) = US$900, includes single licenses for FM-to-Acrobat TimeSavers + Navigation Assistant + ARTS Aerialist (total value US$799!)
      • Testing PDFs (half-day; US$150), April 21
        Based on a comprehensive checklist, includes principles & techniques for testing PDFs of different types and detailed guidelines relating to the following categories: PDF Type & Usage, Essential, Printing, Online, Interactive, Forms, Web, Document Collections.
      • FrameMaker Template Design (6 half-days; US$700), TBA
        For experienced FrameMaker users; packed with information, tips & tricks to make template planning, design and maintenance easier.

"An incredible return for our investment! Every session of this course was so full of information. I feel that I bought what I thought was a budget automobile but when I took delivery, it turned out to be a luxury limousine. Thank you for everything, Shlomo!" -- Gay Alson, Epicor Retail  |  "You presented an incredible amount and variety of information in the sessions. I'll be digesting this for some time." -- Lin Sims 





  • "Improve Your FrameMaker Skills" web-based training sessions
    1 hour each. Participants receive presentation slides + sample files [registration form]
      • Automating High-Quality Pagination, February 10 (starting 9:30am PST) new
        How to make FrameMaker take care of page breaks automatically, reducing the need for overrides and manual handling of pagination in chapters and in generated files.
      • Word-to-FrameMaker Conversions, February 10 (starting 11am PST)
        Converting documents from Microsoft Word to FrameMaker can be time-consuming and frustrating. This training session demonstrates how to optimize the process by preparing the source Word files in advance and use various techniques in FrameMaker to improve the result with less effort.
      • FrameMaker Configuration and Maintenance, February 24 (starting 9:30am PST) new
        What can you change in FrameMaker's maker.ini configuration file, good housekeeping, troubleshooting techniques and recovering from crashes.
      • Indexing Essentials, February 24 (starting 11am PST)
        Indexes can significantly enhance both online and printed documentation. This training session provides an overview of FrameMaker indexing features, demonstration of techniques and related recommendations.
      • "Import Formats", March 10 (starting 9:30am PST) new
        How to make the most of "Import Formats", what to avoid and beware of, related workarounds and plug-ins.
      • Handling Author Comments in FrameMaker, March 10 (starting 11am PST)
        Work in progress includes open issues, preliminary content and follow-up. This training session discusses techniques for the insertion, management and tracking of author comments in source FrameMaker files, using markers, conditional text and custom paragraphs tags.
      • Colors in FrameMaker, March 24 (starting 9:30am PST) new
        Understanding color/tint definitions and color views, best practices for using colors in text, conditional text, tables and graphics; tips & tricks; troubleshooting color-related issues.
      • Cross-Reference Tips & Tricks, March 24 (starting 11am PST)
        Tips and tricks for improving cross-reference formats, more efficient insertion of cross-references, paragraph vs. marker-based cross-references, managing external cross-references, troubleshooting and more.


"What I like best about these sessions is having access to your excellent training without having to wait for you to come to town, the ability to fit the sessions into a busy schedule, the convenience, and the low cost." -- Maureen Costantino, Production Manager  |  "This is top-drawer information at bargain-basement prices. The sessions are free of filler; they're generously populated with things I never knew and things I had forgotten. I'm looking forward to more session topics!" -- Douglas Cuff, Technical Writer   |  "Thank you very much for this tutorial -- even an old dog (15 years of FM) can learn new tricks from you!" -- Klaus Daube | "I picked up new skills that have already proven to be valuable in my day-to-day work. I look forward to the next series!" -- Karen Haley, Sr. Technical Communication Specialist