Frame, <shudder> Word, and MIF2GO

[David Csikos <david -dot- csikos -at- mitratech -dot- com>]

Currently, my company is considering using MIF2GO to convert FrameMaker 
6.0/7.1 files to Word files. (At this time, we do not plan to use it to 
compile electronic help files.) I have some specific questions regarding 
MIF2GO's functionality, and would greatly appreciate input from anyone 
with knowledge of the following:

1. In Word conversions, how does MIF2GO handle externally referenced 
.gif images? Our documentation exclusively uses .gifs, and we import 
them by reference. I have perused Omsys' site and encountered a great 
deal of text regarding bitmap conversion (and even .tifs), but does 
MIF2GO convert .gifs? (The doc set for our lead product is over 1500 
pages, and we don't want to batch convert everything to .bmps). : (

2. In Word conversions, how does MIF2GO handle cross references? Are 
they represented exactly as they appear in the Frame File? And, if 
changes are made within the Word file, do they automatically update? Or, 
do we have to convert the Frame File again?

3. In Word conversions, what happens to graphic call outs? In our Frame 
files, we have multiple images with labels/call outs and pointers/arrows 
(all within the same graphic frame as the imported image). Does MIF2GO 
convert/incorporate them into the graphic? And, if it does, are they 
editable?

4. In Word conversions, what happens to text insets? Is the text from 
referenced file converted as well, and is it editable?

5. In Word conversions, are special characters/graphic elements 
converted as well? A number of our heading styles in FrameMaker have a 
line (or bar) underneath them to separate them from body text. When 
MIF2GO converts a Frame file to Word, are these simple graphic elements 
converted and represented correctly?

6. In Word conversions, what happens to FrameMaker markers? To meet 
section 508 accessibility requirements, our documents contain markers 
for graphic summaries and descriptions. We place these markers in text 
frames nested inside graphic frames. (All the text for these summaries 
is contained in the marker, and not visible unless you select the marker 
for editing in Frame. For end users, marker text is read by 
accessibility software like JAWS.) Although we build this functionality 
into our documents for electronic help purposes, will this "layering" of 
elements provide a problem for a MIF2GO Word conversion?

If anyone can shed some light, please email me at 
david -dot- csikos -at- mitratech -dot- com

Thanks!
-Dave



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