Generates a FrameMaker book and chapter files from the current DITA map.
This command builds a FrameMaker book by creating “chapter” files from the top-level topicrefs. All child topics of each top-level topicref are merged to form a single chapter file. After the book is generated and all chapter files are built you can add frontmatter and backmatter files such as a TOC and Index. (This command is not available in the FrameMaker 7.1 version.)
If the current DITA map file has not been saved, you are prompted to save it (the file must be saved before processing can begin). This command first prompts for the location and name for the book file to create. It then assembles all chapter files and resolves all references. The resulting FM files are named based on the root topic file’s relative path and filename with a “.fm” file extension. Conrefs and xrefs that point to content within the book, are updated to point to the new FM files. Any references to DITA files that are not part of the final book, remain pointing at the source DITA file (with the href modified to suit the new path if it has changed). The paths to referenced graphics are updated to account for any changes due to relative differences between the source files and the new FM files. If your files do reference files that are not part of the book (typically graphics and possibly conrefs), it is important to choose an appropriate location to generate the book so that the FM files and referenced files can be moved as needed.
The recommended way to build and maintain a book is as follows:
Generate the book and FM files with the Generate Book from Map command. Think of this as a “throw-away” book, and name it something temporary like temp.book.
Create a new book by doing a SaveAs from the throw-away book. This is your “real” book, give it an appropriate name.
Add your TOC, Index, and other non-DITA-based files to the “real” book.
Setup the properties for each file in the “real” book. Select each file and right-click, then choose Numbering, Pagination, or Set Up, as appropriate.
Now choose to generate your TOC and Index.
Save the “real” book.
Now, when you update your DITA files, re-run the Generate Book from Map command and overwrite the “throw-away” book and the FM content files will be replaced with fresh versions. Just close the “throw-away” book file that’s been generated, then open your “real” book and do an to refresh the TOC and Index and your book is ready to print.