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#8

FrameMaker is ranked #8 in the Desktop Publishing Software product directory based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report.

FrameMaker Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, FrameMaker pricing starts at $40 (Monthly).

Price
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Starting From
$39.99
Pricing Model
Monthly
Free Trial
Yes, Request for Free

Training Resources

FrameMaker is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for FrameMaker:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

FrameMaker Benefits and Insights

Why use FrameMaker?

Key differentiators & advantages of FrameMaker

  • Efficient Document Management: FrameMaker excels in handling large and complex documents, allowing users to manage extensive content with ease. Its robust file management system supports structured and unstructured content, making it ideal for technical documentation.
  • Advanced Formatting Capabilities: The software offers sophisticated formatting options, enabling precise control over the layout and design of documents. This ensures consistency and professionalism in published materials.
  • Seamless Integration with XML: FrameMaker's compatibility with XML allows for efficient content reuse and repurposing. This is particularly beneficial for organizations that need to maintain consistency across multiple documents and formats.
  • Enhanced Collaboration Features: FrameMaker supports collaborative workflows, enabling multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously. This feature streamlines the editing process and reduces the time to publication.
  • Comprehensive Template Support: Users can create and apply templates to standardize document appearance, ensuring uniformity across all publications. This is especially useful for maintaining brand consistency.
  • Robust Multilingual Support: FrameMaker supports multiple languages and character sets, making it an excellent choice for global organizations that need to produce content in various languages.
  • Dynamic Content Management: The software allows for the creation of dynamic documents that can automatically update content based on changes in data sources. This feature is invaluable for maintaining up-to-date information in technical manuals and guides.
  • Rich Media Integration: FrameMaker supports the inclusion of multimedia elements such as images, videos, and interactive content, enhancing the reader's experience and engagement with the document.
  • Scalable Publishing Solutions: Whether publishing to print, PDF, or digital formats, FrameMaker provides scalable solutions that cater to different publishing needs, ensuring high-quality output across all platforms.
  • Comprehensive Support for Conditional Text: Users can create variations of a document for different audiences or purposes by using conditional text, which simplifies the management of multiple document versions.
  • Automated Indexing and Cross-Referencing: FrameMaker automates the creation of indexes and cross-references, saving time and reducing errors in large documents. This feature enhances document navigation and usability.
  • Powerful Scripting and Automation: The software supports scripting for automating repetitive tasks, increasing productivity and allowing users to focus on more critical aspects of document creation.
  • Reliable Output Consistency: FrameMaker ensures that the final output is consistent with the original design, regardless of the output format, providing peace of mind for users concerned about maintaining document integrity.
  • Comprehensive Support and Resources: Adobe provides extensive support and resources for FrameMaker users, including tutorials, forums, and customer service, ensuring users can maximize the software's potential.

Industry Expertise

FrameMaker is a powerful tool for technical writers, especially those working in industries with strict regulatory requirements like pharmaceuticals, automotive, and aerospace. It's ideal for creating complex, lengthy documents like manuals and user guides, ensuring consistency and accuracy across large volumes of content.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of FrameMaker reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

  • Effortless Navigation: FrameMaker's Navigation View feature simplifies navigating lengthy, complex documents, a significant advantage for users who regularly work with extensive content.
  • Structured Authoring: FrameMaker excels in handling structured content through XML and DITA, making it a perfect fit for technical writing and creating standardized documentation.
  • Versatile Output: Users can publish their work in various formats, including PDF, HTML5, and EPUB, ensuring compatibility with different platforms and devices.
  • Large Document Handling: FrameMaker is designed to manage large and complex documents efficiently, preventing slowdowns or crashes often encountered with other software.

Cons

  • Steep Learning Curve: FrameMaker can feel overwhelming for new users due to its extensive features and unique terminology.
  • Price: FrameMaker can be expensive, especially for individual users or small businesses, potentially impacting its affordability.
  • Structured Authoring Challenges: Some users find the structured authoring features in FrameMaker to be less user-friendly compared to other similar software.
  • Manual Save After Find and Replace: A lack of automatic saving after using the find and replace function can be time-consuming, requiring manual saving of each file.

Researcher's Summary:

Is Adobe FrameMaker the picture-perfect solution for your desktop publishing needs? User reviews from the last year paint a generally positive picture of Adobe FrameMaker, particularly for its prowess in handling large, complex documents. Users consistently applaud its efficiency in generating various output formats, such as PDF and HTML, making it a reliable choice for content-heavy projects. Its robust structured authoring capabilities, especially with XML and DITA, are frequently commended, setting it apart from competitors like InDesign that might excel in visual aspects but fall short in structured content handling.

However, FrameMaker isn't without its blemishes. Some users find the learning curve steep and the interface less intuitive compared to more visually-oriented desktop publishing tools. This is akin to learning a new language; once mastered, it unlocks a world of possibilities, but the initial climb can be daunting for some.

Overall, FrameMaker emerges as a powerful tool best suited for technical writers, documentation teams, and anyone dealing with long, structured documents. Its strengths lie in its ability to manage complexity, automate formatting, and ensure consistent output across various platforms. While the learning curve might be a hurdle for some, the power and flexibility FrameMaker offers make it a worthwhile investment for those in need of a robust desktop publishing solution.

Key Features

Notable FrameMaker features include:

  • Structured Authoring: FrameMaker supports XML and DITA, allowing for structured content creation that enhances consistency and reusability.
  • Advanced Template Management: Users can create and manage complex templates to ensure uniformity across documents, saving time on formatting.
  • Conditional Text: This feature allows authors to create multiple versions of a document within a single file by applying conditions to text blocks.
  • Cross-References: FrameMaker provides robust cross-referencing capabilities, enabling dynamic linking between sections, figures, and tables.
  • Book Building: Users can compile multiple documents into a single book file, complete with automatic table of contents and index generation.
  • Multi-Channel Publishing: FrameMaker supports publishing to various formats, including PDF, HTML5, and ePub, from a single source.
  • Rich Media Support: The software allows embedding of multimedia elements like videos and 3D graphics, enhancing document interactivity.
  • Powerful Scripting: FrameMaker includes ExtendScript, enabling automation of repetitive tasks and customization of workflows.
  • Unicode Support: With full Unicode support, FrameMaker can handle a wide range of languages and special characters, facilitating global content creation.
  • MathML Integration: Authors can incorporate complex mathematical equations using MathML, ensuring precision in technical documentation.
  • Responsive HTML5 Output: FrameMaker generates responsive HTML5 content, ensuring optimal viewing on various devices and screen sizes.
  • Content Management System (CMS) Integration: The software integrates with popular CMS platforms, streamlining content management and collaboration.
  • Version Control: FrameMaker offers version control features, allowing users to track changes and revert to previous document states if necessary.
  • Customizable Workspaces: Users can tailor the interface to their preferences, optimizing productivity by focusing on frequently used tools.
  • Robust Table Handling: FrameMaker provides advanced table formatting options, including nested tables and table styles, for complex data presentation.
  • Text and Graphics Import: The software supports importing text and graphics from various formats, including Microsoft Word and Adobe Illustrator.
  • Document Comparison: FrameMaker can compare two documents, highlighting differences to facilitate content review and editing.
  • Spell Check and Thesaurus: Built-in spell check and thesaurus tools help maintain language accuracy and variety in document content.
  • PDF Review Workflow: FrameMaker supports PDF-based review processes, allowing for easy collaboration and feedback collection.
  • Enhanced Search and Replace: The software offers powerful search and replace functionality, including support for regular expressions, to streamline editing tasks.